SLIDE FASTENER SEALING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

A slide fastener sealing system and related methods. In one example, the slide fastener sealing system includes a separating slide fastener in which a first end overlaps and is secured to a second end such that a sealing zone is located between the overlapping ends of the slide fastener. The sealing system also includes in this example a sealing member that can be secured to the slide fastener in a removable fashion with a portion of the sealing member located in the sealing zone to seal against fluid penetration through the sealing zone.

Claims

1. A slide fastener sealing system comprising: (a) a slide fastener comprising: (i) a first slide fastener segment comprising a first tape segment, a second tape segment, and fastening elements positioned along the first and second tape segments; (ii) a second slide fastener segment comprising a third tape segment, a fourth tape segment, and fastening elements positioned along the third and fourth tape segments; (iii) wherein the first slide fastener segment overlaps the second slider fastener segment, and wherein a sealing zone forming a passage is located between the overlap of the first and second slide fastener segments; and (iv) a first side seal extending between the first and third tape segments in the sealing zone, a second side seal extending between the second and fourth tape segments in the sealing zone; (b) a sealing member comprising a sealing body position-able in the passage to resist fluid movement through the passage when the fastening elements engage the first and second tape segments together and engage the third and fourth tape segments together; (c) a plurality of lugs and a plurality of cavities associated with the sealing body and the first and second side seals, the lugs extending into the cavities when the sealing body is positioned in the passage, the lugs and cavities interacting to resist movement of the sealing body relative to the first and second side seals.

2. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 1 wherein the lugs and cavities interact to resist movement of the sealing body along the passage and resist rotational movement of the sealing body in the passage.

3. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 2 wherein engagement of the fastening elements compresses the sealing body in the passage.

4. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 3 wherein the lugs and cavities interact to resist longitudinal expansion of the sealing body along the passage when the sealing body is compressed in the passage.

5. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 2 wherein the sealing body comprises the lugs, wherein the first and second side seals comprise the cavities.

6. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 5 wherein the first and third tape segments are joined together at a first joint, wherein the first side seal covers the first joint in the sealing zone; and wherein the second and fourth tape segments are joined together at a second joint, wherein the second side seal covers the second joint in the sealing zone.

7. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 5 wherein the sealing body compresses against the first and second side seals and the fastening elements when the sealing body is positioned in the passage and when the fastening elements engage the first and second tape segments together and engage the third and fourth tape segments together.

8. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 5 wherein the sealing body comprises a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first side surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface and extending between the top and bottom surfaces; wherein the lugs extend from the first and second side surfaces; and wherein, when the lugs extend into the cavities when the sealing body is positioned in the passage, the top and bottom surfaces face the fastening elements.

9. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 8 wherein the top and bottom surfaces each comprise a series of ridges oriented transverse to a long axis of the sealing body, wherein the ridges contact the fastening elements when the sealing body is positioned in the passage with the lugs extending into the cavities.

10. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 1 wherein the first and second side seals each comprise a curved surface, wherein the first and second side seals each comprise at least one of the cavities, wherein the cavities are recessed relative to the curved surfaces of the first and second side seals.

11. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 1 wherein the sealing body comprises a first curved side wall configured to compress against the first side seal, and further comprises a second curved side wall configured to compress against the second side seal, wherein the lugs protrude outwardly from the first and second curved side walls.

12. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 1 wherein: (a) the first and second side seals each comprise a curved surface, wherein the first and second side seals each comprise at least one of the cavities, wherein the cavities are recessed relative to the curved surfaces of the first and second side seals; and (b) the sealing body comprises a first curved side wall configured to compress against the first side seal, and further comprises a second curved side wall configured to compress against the second side seal, wherein the lugs extend from the first and second curved side walls of the sealing body.

13. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 12 wherein the first side seal is molded to the first and third tape segments; wherein the second side seal is molded to the second and fourth tape segments.

14. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 12 wherein the curved surfaces of the side seals and the curved side walls of the sealing body are deformable.

15. A slide fastener sealing system comprising: (a) a slide fastener comprising: (i) a first slide fastener segment comprising a first tape segment, a second tape segment, fastening elements positioned along the first and second tape segments, a first element fill on the first tape segment between at least some of the fastening elements, and a second element fill on the second tape segment between at least some of the fastening elements; (ii) a second slide fastener segment comprising a third tape segment, a fourth tape segment, fastening elements positioned along the third and fourth tape segments, a third element fill on the third tape segment between at least some of the fastening elements, and a fourth element fill on the second tape segment between at least some of the fastening elements; and (iii) wherein the first slide fastener segment overlaps the second slider fastener segment, and wherein a sealing zone forming a passage is located between the overlap of the first and second slide fastener segments; (b) a sealing member comprising a sealing body position-able in the passage to resist fluid movement through the passage when the fastening elements engage the first and second tape segments together and engage the third and fourth tape segments together; (c) wherein, when the sealing member is positioned in the passage and the fastening elements engage the first and second tape segments together and engage the third and fourth tape segments together, the first, second, third, and fourth element fills block a fluid flow path along the passage in gaps between the fastening elements.

16. The slide fastener system of claim 15 wherein: (a) when the fastening elements engage the first and second tape segments together, the first element fill compresses against the fastening elements of the second tape segment and the second element fill compresses against the fastening elements of the first tape segment; and (b) when the fastening elements engage the third and fourth tape segments together, the third element fill compresses against the fastening elements of the fourth tape segment and the fourth element fill compresses against the fastening elements of the third tape segment; wherein the compression of the element fill against the fastening elements resists penetration of fluid along the length of the passage.

17. The slide fastener system of claim 16 wherein: (a) when the fastening elements engage the first and second tape segments together, an inner edge of the first tape compresses against an inner edge of the second tape to resist penetration of fluid through the first slide fastener segment; and (b) when the fastening elements engage the third and fourth tape segments together, an inner edge of the third tape compresses against an inner edge of the fourth tape to resist penetration of fluid through the second slide fastener segment.

18. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 17 wherein an inner edge of the first element fill is coextensive with or inset relative to the inner edge of the first tape.

19. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 17 wherein a height of the first element fill from the first tape segment is less than a height of the fastening elements from the first tape segment that are positioned along the first tape segment.

20. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 19 wherein fastening elements of the second tape segment extend over the first element fill when the fastening elements engage the first and second tape segments together; wherein fastening elements of the first tape segment extend over the second element fill when the fastening elements engage the first and second tape segments together; wherein fastening elements of the fourth tape segment extend over the third element fill when the fastening elements engage the third and fourth tape segments together; and wherein fastening elements of the third tape segment extend over the fourth element fill when the fastening elements engage the third and fourth tape segments together.

21. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 17 wherein: (a) an inner edge of the first element fill is coextensive with or inset relative to the inner edge of the first tape; (b) an inner edge of the second element fill is coextensive with or inset relative to the inner edge of the second tape; (c) an inner edge of the third element fill is coextensive with or inset relative to the inner edge of the third tape; and (d) an inner edge of the fourth element fill is coextensive with or inset relative to the inner edge of the fourth tape.

22. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 15, wherein, when the sealing member is positioned in the passage and the fastening elements engage the first and second tape segments together and engage the third and fourth tape segments together, the first, second, third, and fourth element fills compress against heads of the fastening elements.

23. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 15 wherein the first, second, third, and fourth element fills are only located along part of a length of the first and second slide fastener segments.

24. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 15 wherein the first, second, third, and fourth element fills are a deformable material molded onto the first, second, third, and fourth tape segments between the fastening elements in the sealing zone.

25. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 15 wherein the fluid flow path comprises a tortious fluid flow path between opposing fastening elements along the length of the passage.

26. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 15 wherein the fluid flow path comprises a first tortious fluid flow path between opposing fastening elements of the first and second tape segments and a second tortious fluid flow path between opposing fastening elements of the third and further tape segments.

27. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 26 wherein the first tortious fluid flow path is bounded by and in between the first and second tape segments and the sealing body; and wherein the second tortious fluid flow path is bounded by and in between the third and fourth tape segments and the sealing body.

28. A slide fastener sealing system comprising: (a) a slide fastener comprising a first slide fastener segment and a second slide fastener segment, wherein the first slide fastener segment overlaps the second slider fastener segment, and wherein a sealing zone forming a passage is located between the overlap of the first and second slide fastener segments; and (b) a sealing member comprising a sealing body and a connecting body extending from the sealing body, wherein: (i) the sealing body is position-able in the passage to resist fluid movement through the passage; (ii) the connecting body comprising a first protrusion extending in a first direction and a second protrusion extending in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction, the first and second protrusions configured to engage a portion of the slide fastener when the sealing body is positioned in the passage.

29. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 28 wherein the first direction is approximately perpendicular to the second direction.

30. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 29 wherein the connecting body comprises a main body and an arm extending from the main body, wherein the first protrusion extends from a surface of the main body and the second protrusion extends from a surface of the arm.

31. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 30 wherein the surface of the main body and the surface of the arm are approximately perpendicular to one another.

32. The slide fastener of claim 28 wherein the portion of the slide fastener the first and second protrusions are configured to engage is a box end of the slide fastener.

33. The slide fastener of claim 32 wherein the first and second protrusions are configured to engage at opposite sides of the box.

34. The slide fastener of claim 32 wherein, when the first and second protrusions engage the box, a top surface of the box is substantially uncovered by the connecting body.

35. The slide fastener of claim 32 wherein, when the first and second protrusions engage the box, the second protrusion engages a rear surface of the box at either a recess in the rear surface or a top corner of the rear surface.

36. A slide fastener sealing system comprising: (a) a slide fastener comprising a first slide fastener segment comprising fastening elements and a second slide fastener segment comprising fastening elements, wherein the first slide fastener segment overlaps the second slider fastener segment, and wherein a sealing zone forming a passage is located between the overlap of the first and second slide fastener segments; and (b) a sealing member, the sealing member comprising a deformable sealing body position-able in the passage of the slide fastener and an actuator extending through the sealing body, wherein actuation of the actuator deforms the sealing body such that the sealing body expands to resist fluid movement through the passage, wherein the sealing member further comprises at least one rigid member in the sealing body, wherein, when the sealing body is positioned in the passage, the rigid member is located between the actuator and the fastening elements of one of the first and second slide fastener segments.

37. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 36 wherein the at least one rigid member comprises a first rigid member embedded in the sealing body and a second rigid member embedded in the rigid member, wherein, when the sealing body is positioned in the passage, the first rigid member is located between and in-line with the actuator and the fastening elements of the first slide fastener segment and the second rigid member is located between and in-line with the actuator and the fastening elements of the second slide fastener segment.

38. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 37 wherein actuation of the actuator moves the first rigid member towards the fastening elements of the first slide fastener and moves the second rigid member towards the fastening elements of the second slide fastener.

39. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 37 wherein actuation of the actuator deflects the first rigid member towards the fastening elements of the first slide fastener and deflects the second rigid member towards the fastening elements of the second slide fastener.

40. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 36 wherein the sealing member further comprises a connecting body adjacent the sealing body, wherein the at least one rigid member extends from the connecting body into the sealing body.

41. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 40 wherein actuation of the actuator deflects the at least one rigid member towards the fastening elements of the first or second slide fastener segment.

42. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 36 wherein the sealing member further comprises an end body adjacent the sealing body opposite the connecting body, wherein at least one second rigid member extends from the end body into the sealing body.

43. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 42 wherein actuation of the actuator deflects the at least one rigid member and the at least one second rigid member towards the fastening elements of the first or second slide fastener segment.

44. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 36 wherein the sealing body comprises a series of raised surface profiles on at least one surface of the sealing body, wherein, when the sealing body is positioned in the passage, the series of raised surface profiles is located between the rigid member and the fastening elements of one of the first and second slide fastener segments.

45. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 44 wherein actuation of the actuator deflects the at least one rigid member towards the fastening elements of one of the first or second slide fastener segment such that the raise surface profiles are pressed into the fastening elements.

46. A slide fastener sealing system comprising: (a) a slide fastener; and (b) a sealing member, the sealing member comprising a deformable sealing body position-able in a sealing-zone passage associated with the slide fastener, a connecting body adjacent the sealing body, an end body adjacent the sealing body opposite the connecting body, and an actuator extending at least partially through the sealing, connecting, and end bodies, wherein actuation of the actuator deforms the sealing body such that the sealing body expands to resist fluid movement through the passage.

47. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 46 wherein at least one of the connecting and end bodies comprises an opening configured to receive a capture member, the capture member configured to engage the actuator.

48. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 47 wherein rotation of the actuator deforms the sealing body.

49. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 48 wherein the capture member engages the actuator such that the actuator can rotate and translate relative to the capture member.

50. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 48 wherein the capture member engages the actuator such that the capture member resists translation of the capture member relative to the actuator.

51. The slide fastener sealing system of claim 48 wherein: (a) the connecting body comprises an opening configured to receive a first capture member; (b) the end body comprises an opening configured to receive a second capture member; (c) wherein one of the first and second capture members engages the actuator such that the actuator such that the actuator can rotate and translate relative to the capture member; and (d) wherein the other of the first and second capture members engages the actuator such that the capture member resists translation of the capture member relative to the actuator.

52. The slide fastener of claim 51 wherein the first capture member comprises a threaded member and wherein the second capture member comprises a retainer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0038] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an example of a sealed zipper assembly in a closed position.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the sealed zipper assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, in an open position.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the sealed zipper assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, in a slider starting position.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the sealed zipper assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, in a slider closing position.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the sealed zipper assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, in a closed position.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a section view of the sealed zipper assembly taken along section lines A-A of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the sealed zipper assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the sealed zipper assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, in an open position with a sealing element.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a section view of the sealed zipper assembly taken along section lines B-B of FIG. 8.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the sealed zipper assembly illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the sealing element illustrated in FIG. 9

[0049] FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of another example of a sealed zipper assembly in an open position.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a section view of the sealed zipper assembly of FIG. 12 taken along section lines C-C of FIG. 12.

[0051] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the sealed zipper assembly illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0052] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the sealing element of FIG. 13.

[0053] FIG. 16 is a section view of another example of a sealed zipper assembly.

[0054] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the sealing element illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0055] FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of another example of a sealed zipper assembly in a closed position, prior to sealing.

[0056] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the sealed zipper assembly of FIG. 18, shown with the sealing element inserted into the sealing zone.

[0057] FIG. 20 is a section view of another example of a sealed zipper assembly.

[0058] FIG. 21 is a section view of another example of a sealed zipper assembly.

[0059] FIG. 22 is a top plan view of another example of a sealed zipper assembly.

[0060] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of another example of a sealed zipper assembly.

[0061] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an example of a sealing element having an air transfer tube.

[0062] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an example of an inflatable sealing element.

[0063] FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of an example of a sealing element that is compressible in a lengthwise direction.

[0064] FIG. 27 shows another example of a slide fastening sealing system.

[0065] FIGS. 28 and 29 show a slide fastener of the slide fastening sealing system of FIG. 27, with FIG. 29 showing a cross-sectional transverse view.

[0066] FIGS. 30-33 show a sealing member of the slide fastening system of FIG. 27, with FIG. 33 showing a cross-sectional longitudinal view.

[0067] FIGS. 34-35 show a connector component of the sealing member of FIGS. 30-33, with FIG. 35 showing a cross-sectional longitudinal view.

[0068] FIG. 36 shows a sealing body component of the sealing member of FIGS. 30-33.

[0069] FIG. 37 shows a sealing body actuator of the sealing member of FIGS. 30-33.

[0070] FIGS. 38-41 show additional views of the slide fastening sealing system of FIG. 27, illustrating the sealing member installed in a passage of the slide fastener.

[0071] FIG. 42 schematically illustrates an example of a hydrostatic pressure testing method.

[0072] FIGS. 43-46 illustrate another example of a slide fastener sealing system.

[0073] FIGS. 47 and 48 schematically illustrate cross sections of portions of a slide fastener segment.

[0074] FIGS. 49 and 50 schematically illustrate an example of a slide fastener system in cross-section.

[0075] FIG. 51 illustrates a fluid flow path along a slide fastener segment.

[0076] FIGS. 52 and 53 illustrate an example of a slide fastener sealing system including element fill.

[0077] FIGS. 54-59 illustrate additional examples of slide fastener segments with element fill.

[0078] FIGS. 60-68 illustrate an example of a sealing member.

[0079] FIGS. 69-78 illustrate another example of a sealing member.

[0080] FIGS. 79-87 illustrate another example of a sealing member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Several examples of slide fastener sealing systems and related methods are described below. The example illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 will be discussed first.

Structure and Relationship of Parts

[0082] Referring to FIG. 10, the sealed zipper assembly of FIGS. 1-11 includes a first zipper segment 12 and a second zipper segment 14 in overlapping relation to create a sealing zone 16. Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, sealing zone 16 can be viewed as forming a tunnel. Referring to FIG. 10, in this regard, sealing zone 16 has an exterior opening 18 and an interior opening 20. Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, a sealing element 22 is positioned in sealing zone 16 to prevent leakage between first zipper segment 12 and second zipper segment 14. Referring to FIG. 11, sealing element 22 is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, sealing element 22 is resiliently deformable and is compressed within sealing zone 16 by first zipper segment 12 and second zipper segment 14. Referring to FIG. 10, it will be noted that with this first example, first zipper segment 12 and second zipper segment 14 are part of a single interlocking zipper fastener 24 and create a single sealing zone, previously identified as sealing zone 16. As will hereinafter be illustrated and described with reference to other examples, there can be more than one interlocking zipper fastener and more than one sealing zone.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, interlocking zipper fastener 24 has a first series of interlocking teeth 26 supported on a band 28 and a second series of interlocking teeth 30 supported on a band 32. At least one slider 34 is provided. Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, interlocking zipper fastener 24 has a first end 36 that serves as first zipper segment 12 and a second end 38 that serves as second zipper segment 14 in this embodiment.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 2, a garment body 40 made with waterproof fabric consists of a first or upper discrete body component 42 and a second or lower discrete body component 44. Interlocking zipper fastener 24 is in a circular configuration that enables first discrete body component 42 to be separated from second discrete body component 44. Referring to FIG. 2, band 28 supporting first series of interlocking teeth 26 constituting a first half of interlocking zipper fastener 24 is secured to first discrete body component 42 in a generally circular configuration to form a first half of first zipper segment 12 and a first half of second zipper segment 14 in overlapping relation. Similarly, band 32 supporting second series of interlocking teeth 30 constituting a second half of interlocking zipper fastener 24 is secured to second discrete body 44 component in a generally circular configuration to form a second half of the first zipper segment 12 and a second half of the second zipper segment 14 in overlapping relation.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, slider 34 is used to slide along interlocking zipper fastener 24 in a first direction to bring first series of interlocking teeth 26 and second series of interlocking teeth 30 into engagement as illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4, slider 34 slides along interlocking zipper fastener 24 in a second direction to disengage first series of interlocking teeth 26 and second series of interlocking teeth 30 to disengage interlocking zipper fastener 24, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, as slider 34 interlocks first series of interlocking teeth 26 and second series of interlocking teeth 30, it completes first zipper segment 12 and second zipper segment 14, the overlapping of which creates sealing zone 16. Sealing zone 16 is then ready to receive sealing element 22. Referring to FIG. 11, sealing element 22 has ridges 46 that assist in sealing. Sealing element 22 also has a first channel 48 on a first face 50 and a second channel 52 on a second face 54. Referring to FIG. 9, First channel 48 receives interlocked teeth 56 of first zipper segment 12 and second channel 52 receives interlocked teeth 58 of second zipper segment 14.

Operation

[0086] Referring to FIG. 2, band 28 supporting first series of interlocking teeth 26 constituting a first half of interlocking zipper fastener 24 is secured to first discrete body component 42 in a generally circular configuration to form a first half of first zipper segment 12 and a first half of second zipper segment 14 in overlapping relation. Band 32 supporting second series of interlocking teeth 30 constituting a second half of interlocking zipper fastener 24 is secured to second discrete body 44 component in a generally circular configuration to form a second half of the first zipper segment 12 and a second half of the second zipper segment 14 in overlapping relation. Referring to FIG. 3, slider 34 slides along interlocking zipper fastener 24 in a first direction to bring first series of interlocking teeth 26 and second series of interlocking teeth 30 into engagement as illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, as slider 34 interlocks first series of interlocking teeth 26 and second series of interlocking teeth 30, it completes first zipper segment 12 and second zipper segment 14 the overlapping of which creates sealing zone 16. Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, sealing element 22 is compressed within sealing zone 16 by first zipper segment 12 and second zipper segment 14.

Variations

[0087] There will hereinafter be described several variations that may be made to the first example described above.

[0088] The first example included a single sealing element 22. Referring to FIG. 15, there is illustrated an alternative sealing element 122 that has a first seal component 124 and a second seal component 126. Referring to FIG. 12, first seal component 124 is wedged into and held by friction or otherwise secured to first discrete body component 42. Second seal component 126 is wedged into and held by friction or otherwise secured to second discrete body component 44. Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, when interlocking zipper fastener 24 is closed, first seal component 124 and second seal component 126 are forced together to form sealing element 122 which fills sealing zone 16.

[0089] In the first example discussed above, sealing element 22 was held in place by friction and was removable. Referring to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, alternative sealing element 222 has a fabric strip 224 moulded into the elastomeric foam. Fabric strip 224 is used to secure alternative sealing element 222 to first discrete body component 42. This is done by stitching through fabric strip 224. Fabric strip 224 serves to anchor alternative sealing element 222 to first discrete body component 42 in a desired position where sealing zone 16 is formed by the overlapping of first zipper segment 12 and second zipper segment 14 of interlocking zipper fastener 24. It will be appreciated that there are other ways to secure alternative sealing element within sealing zone 16.

[0090] In the first example discussed above, sealing element 22 was elastomeric foam. Referring to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 an alternative sealing element 322 is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 18, sealing element 322 is a plug 324 that is suspended by a tether 326 from slider 34 when not in use. Referring to FIG. 19, plug 324 is intended to be inserted into exterior opening 18 of sealing zone 16 to seal sealing zone 16. It is preferred that plug 324 have a surface profile, such as ribs or ridges, to enhance both the sealing capacity and the holding capacity of plug 324. It will be appreciated that there are other raised surface profiles that would similarly serve this purpose.

[0091] In the first example discussed above, first zipper segment 12 and second zipper segment 14 are positioned substantially parallel to interlocking zipper fastener 24. Referring to FIG. 22, first zipper segment 12 and second zipper segment 14 which form sealing zone 16, can be configured so that they project outwardly or radially from interlocking zipper fastener 24.

[0092] In the first example discussed above, there was only one interlocking zipper fastener 24 and only one sealing zone 16. Referring to FIG. 23, there is shown a configuration that has more than one interlocking zipper fastener 24 and more than one sealing zone 16. With this configuration, first end 36 of one interlocking zipper fastener 24 serves as first zipper segment 12 and second end 38 of another interlocking zipper fastener 124 serves as second zipper segment 14 to create a first sealing zone 16. In addition, first end 36 of interlocking zipper fastener 124 serves as first zipper segment 12 and second end 38 of interlocking zipper fastener 24 serves as second zipper segment 14 to create a second sealing zone 116. It will be appreciated that although two interlocking zipper fasteners 24 and 124 have been illustrated in a circular configuration more than two interlocking zipper fastener could also be arranged in a circular configuration in a like manner.

[0093] It is not unusual for a garment intended for use in water, such as garment body 40 to have air transfer valves, to provide for air movement. Referring to FIG. 24, alternative sealing element 422 is shown with an air transfer tube 424 extending through the body of alternative sealing element 422. Air transfer tube 424 allows for movement of air in and out of garment body 40. When garment body 40 is to be submerged in water or another liquid, a closure valve 426 can be used to close air transfer tube 424.

[0094] In the first example discussed above, sealing element 22 was compressed. Referring to FIG. 25, a bladder like alternative sealing element 522 is shown which is expandable like a balloon. Alternative sealing element 522 has a tube 524 into which a user may blow to inflate alternative sealing element 522 and a closure valve 526 that is to maintain air pressure within alternative sealing element 522. When expanded, alternative sealing element 522 expands to occupy sealing zone 16.

[0095] Another alternative sealing element is positioned between two clamping elements with at least one of the clamping elements being movable toward and away from another of the clamping elements. As the clamping elements are moving closer together, the sealing element is forced outwardly to seal the sealing zone. Referring to FIG. 26, one such clamping configuration is illustrated. Alternative sealing element 622 has a bolt 624 that runs through it lengthwise. There is a nut 626 on one end of the bolt 624 and a twist knob 628 on the other end of bolt 624. Nut 626 serves as one clamping element and twist knob 626 serves as another clamping element. Turning twist knob 628 causes axial movement that compresses alternative sealing element 622 between twist knob 628 and nut 626. When compressed, alternative sealing element 622 expands outwardly increasing the circumference of alternative sealing element 622 until alternative sealing element 622 seals the sealing zone.

Cautionary Warnings

[0096] It will be appreciated that not all zippers can function in a liquid environment. In order to avoid leakage, one may wish to use a waterproof zipper. It will also be appreciated that there are a number of different styles of waterproof zippers.

[0097] In order for the sealing elements described above to be effective, one may wish to take extra precautions to address potential leakage points along stitches and seams.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 1, stitches 50 are used to secure interlocking zipper fastener 24 in place. Referring to FIG. 5, waterproof tape 52 is heat sealed or secured by adhesive to reverse side of stitches 50 to prevent liquids weeping through stitches 50.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, sealing zone 16 has edge seams 54 that are subject to leakage. Referring to FIG. 20, leakage can be addressed by sealing edge seams 54 with pliable edge moulding 56. Referring to FIG. 21, leakage can also be addressed by sealing edge seams 54 by using a bead 58 of polymer caulking compound.

Improved Slide Fastener Sealing System

[0100] FIGS. 27 to 41 show another example of a slide fastener sealing system 1000, featuring improvements, modifications, and alternatives to the slide fastener sealing systems described above. The system 1000 shown in FIG. 27 includes a slide fastener 1002 and a sealing member 1004. The slide fastener sealing system 1000 may be incorporated into multi-piece waterproof garments or other multi-piece sealed systems to allow the pieces of those systems to be fastened together in a removable fashion while still providing for sealing of those systems against fluid leakage through the slide fastener sealing system.

Slide Fastener

[0101] FIGS. 28 and 29 show the slide fastener 1002 of FIG. 27 in more detail, with FIG. 29 showing a cross-section of the slide fastener. The slide fastener 1002 includes two tapes 1006, with each tape having a series of fastening elements 1008 positioned along the tape. Although not shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the slide fastener 1002 may include a slider (similar to, for example, the slider 34 shown in FIG. 1), which is configured to engage and disengage the fastening elements 1008 of the two tapes 1006 when slid along the slide fastener 1002.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 28, one end of the two tapes 1006 overlaps the other end of the two tapes 1006 (only the overlapping and adjacent length of the slide fastener is shown in these Figures). The slide fastener 1002 of FIGS. 28 and 29 may be formed in a loop, similar to the loop shown in FIG. 7. Although FIG. 7 shows a slide fastener formed in a circular loop, other looped shapes and configurations are also possible. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the overlapping ends of each tape 1006 are secured together along their edges 1010. This may be done by heat sealing the edges of the ends of the tape together or in other manners. As shown in FIG. 29, the slide fastener 1002 includes side seals 1012 (discussed later below) in the interior where the overlapping ends of the tapes 1006 are joined together.

[0103] The slide fastener shown in this example is a separating slide fastener, in which the two tapes 1006 may be completely detached from one another and reattached in normal use. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the separating slide fastener includes a retaining box 1014 at the end of the series of fastening elements 1008 of one of the tapes 1006, and an insert pin 1016 at the end of the series of fastening elements 1008 of the other tape 1006. The insert pin 1016 may be inserted into retaining box 1014 and the slider slid along the fastening elements 1008 to fasten the two tapes 1006 together. The slider may be slid in an opposite direction and the insert pin 1016 removed from the retaining box 1014 to separate the two tapes 1006 from one another.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 29, with the slide fastener 1002 looped with one end of the tapes 1006 overlapping the other end and the edges 1010 of the tapes 1006 secured together, a passage 1018 is formed between the overlapping ends. When the slide fastener 1002 is incorporated into a waterproof garment or other sealed system, the passage 1018 is a place in which water, another liquid, or a gas could penetrate into or out of the system via open ends of the passage 1018 where the tapes 1006 are no longer overlapping. As discussed further below, the passage 1018 defines a sealing zone for receiving sealing member 1004 in order to resist fluid penetration through the passage 1018.

Sealing Member

[0105] FIGS. 30-37 show an example of a sealing member 1004 that may be inserted into the passage 1018 of slide fastener 1002 to resist fluid penetration through the passage 1018. In this particular example, the sealing member 1004 includes three components: a connector 1020, a sealing body 1022, and a sealing body actuator 1024.

[0106] The connector component 1020 is shown disassociated from the rest of the sealing member assembly 1004 in FIGS. 34 and 35. The connector 1020 is configured to connect the sealing member 1004 to the slide fastener 1002. In the particular example shown in FIGS. 34-35, the connector 1020 includes a resilient hook 1026 that hooks around an end of the tapes 1005 of the slide fastener 1002. As shown in FIG. 35, the resilient hook 1026 includes a ramped surface 1028, a recess 1030, and a protrusion 1032 that engage and receive the retaining box 1014 and insert pin 1016 of the slide fastener 1002 to secure the sealing member 1004 in place on an end of the slide fattener tapes 1006. The connector 1020 also includes an aperture 1034 for receiving sealing body actuator 1024 in a sliding fashion, as discussed in further detail below.

[0107] The connector 1020 shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 includes arms 1036 that connect and anchor the connector 1020 to the sealing body 1022, which may be molded onto the connector 1020 during manufacture. The sealing body 1022 may be formed from a soft, deformable material. The sealing body 1022 may have a base shape in which the sealing body 1022 is not deformed. As discussed in greater detail below, the sealing body 1022 may be selectively deformed and expanded from the base shape using the sealing body actuator 1024. The sealing body 1022 is shown disassociated from the rest of sealing member assembly 1004 in FIG. 36. The sealing body 1022 has outer sidewalls 1038 that are shaped and otherwise configured to conform to the shape of side seals 1012 of the slide fastener 1002 (see, for example, FIGS. 40-41 discussed further below). The sealing body includes grooved top and bottom surfaces 1040 configured to receive and conform to the fastening elements 1008 of the slide fastener 1002, and also to provide clearance through which the slider can move. As with the connector 1020, the sealing body 1022 includes an aperture 1042 for receiving sealing body actuator 1024 in a sliding fashion.

[0108] The sealing body actuator 1024 is shown disassociated from the rest of the sealing member 1004 in FIG. 37. As shown in FIG. 37, the sealing body actuator 1024 tapers between a thicker end 1044 and a narrower end 1046. When the thicker end 1044 is moved further into the sealing body 1022, the deformable sealing body 1022 will expand from its base shape to accommodate the thicker end 1044. Conversely, when the narrower end 1046 is moved further into the sealing body 1022, the deformable sealing body 1022 will contract back towards its base shape. It will be appreciated that the deformable sealing body 1022 may not return completely to its base shape when the narrower end 1046 is in the sealing body 1022. The sealing body actuator 1024 shown in FIG. 37 can be connected towards the narrower end 1046 to a pull, such as the tether 325 shown in FIG. 18. The pull may be used to draw the thicker end 1044 of the sealing body actuator 1024 into the sealing body 1022, to deform the sealing body 1022 and cause it to expand. As shown in FIG. 37, the sealing body actuator 1024 includes an aperture 1048 to which the pull may be connected. As also shown in FIG. 37, the sealing body actuator 1024 includes a grip 1050 at its thicker end 1044, which may be used to draw the thicker end 1044 of the sealing body actuator 1024 from the sealing body 1022, causing the sealing body 1022 to contract. The narrower end of actuator 1046 may also extend beyond the end of the sealing body 1022, allowing the actuator 1024 to be pushed to move the narrower end 1046 of the actuator 1024 into the sealing body 1022 to contract the sealing body 1022.

[0109] Although not specifically shown in the Figures, the sealing body actuator 1024 and/or the pull connected to the actuator 1024 may be sufficiently long such that it extends beyond the end of the passage 1018 formed by the overlapping ends of the slide fastener 1002 and/or is otherwise accessible from the outside of the garment or other waterproof construct in which the slide fastener sealing system 1000 is being used.

Method of Use

[0110] The slide fastener sealing system 1000 of FIGS. 27 to 41 may be used by connecting the sealing member 1004 to an end of the slide fastener 1002, sliding the slide fastener's slider to engage the fastening elements 1008 and close the slide fastener 1002 over the top of the sealing member 1004, and actuating the sealing body actuator 1024 to deform sealing body 1022 such that it expands. Actuating the sealing body actuator 1024 may conform the sealing body 1022 to the side seals 1012 and interiors of the tapes 1006, thereby sealing the passage 1018 to resist fluid penetration therethrough. Actuating the sealing body actuator 1024 may also conform the sealing body 1022 to the elements of the slide fastener, which may form a seal with the elements of the slide fastener to resist fluid penetration therethrough.

[0111] FIGS. 38-41 show the sealing member 1004 installed in the passage 1018 of the slide fastener 1002, such that the sealing body 1022 of the sealing member 1004 is adjacent the side seals 1012 of the slide fastener 1002 in a sealing zone of the passage 1018. Both the sealing body 1022 and the side seals 1012 are made of relatively soft, compliant material to facilitate the formation of a fluid-tight seal that plugs the interior of the passage 1018. In one example, the sealing body 1022 includes a material having a Shore hardness in the range of and including OO-30 t o Shore D-65, such as a hardness in the range of Shore A-0 to Shore-A 30, such as hardness in the range of and including Shore-A 0 to Shore-A 10. In one non-limiting example, the sealing body 1022 may include a Shore-A 2 elastomeric material. In one example, the side seals 1012 include material having a Shore hardness in the range of and including OO-30 to Shore D-65, such as a hardness in the range of and including Shore-A 30 to Shore-A 90, or in some instances in the range of and including Shore-A 50 to Shore-A 70. The side seals may include a Shore-A 60 urethane material. Shore hardness may be measured, for example, using a durometer and by following the testing procedures set out in ASTM D2240.

Performance

[0112] The slide fastener sealing system 1000 of FIGS. 27 to 41 may be relatively impermeable to penetration by fluids, including liquids and/or gasses. The slide fastener 1002 itself may be a waterproof zipper such as, for example, the YKK AQUASEAL zipper. As described above, the sealing member 1004 may be used to resist penetration by fluids through a passage 1018 between overlapping ends of the slide fastener 1002 that are secured together to form a passage.

[0113] For example, the slide fastener sealing system 1000 may resist fluid penetration at a pressure of at least 1 PSI for 20 seconds. In another example, the slide fastener sealing system 1000 may resist fluid penetration at a pressure of at least 4 PSI for 20 seconds. In another example, the slide fastener sealing system 1000 may resist fluid penetration at a pressure of at least 6.5 PSI for 20 seconds. In another example, the slide fastener sealing system 1000 may resist fluid penetration at a pressure between 1 PSI and 6.5 PSI for 20 seconds. In these examples, the slide fastener sealing system 1000 is resistant to fluid penetration through the slide fastener 1002 itself and through the passage 1018 in which the sealing member 1004 is positioned.

[0114] Hydrostatic pressure testing methods may be used to measure resistance to fluid penetration, for instance the hydrostatic pressure testing method set out in Section 7.9 of A-A-55634C Commercial Item Description for Zippers (Fasteners, Slide Interlocking) authorized by the General Services Administration of the United States Federal government (Oct. 30, 2019 version).

[0115] FIG. 42 schematically illustrates an example of a hydrostatic pressure testing method. It should be noted that FIG. 42 shows a generic zipper sample, and does not specifically show a slide fastener sealing system including a slide fastener and a sealing member. To test a slide fastener sealing system including a slide fastener and a sealing member, such as the slide fastener sealing system shown in FIG. 27, a length of sample such as what is shown in FIG. 27 may be installed in the testing apparatus of FIG. 42, with the slide fastener in a closed configuration, the sealing member positioned in the passage formed by the overlapping ends of the slide fastener, and the sealing body in an expanded configuration inside the passage. To perform the test, the sample is installed in the testing apparatus such that it is sealed at all of its edges by gaskets, is then immersed in water (e.g. the entire sample is covered to a depth of approximately 1 inch), and is then subjected to air pressure for a certain length of time while the top of the sample is observed for air leaks (e.g. bubbles).

[0116] The sealing elements described herein may be constructed from various materials suitable for selectively forming a seal with another component, and the sealing elements are not limited to elastomeric foam. As some non-limiting examples, in other embodiments the sealing elements may be various elastomeric deformable materials, a thermoplastic elastomer, combinations thereof, or other various materials as desired.

[0117] While the slide fastener sealing systems described herein are discussed in the context of a waterproof garment, they are by no means so limited. Instead, the slide fastener sealing systems may be used in other applications that may involve liquid and/or potentially harmful gases, including but not limited to boat covers, laboratory suits, bags, cases, and other applications as desired. Moreover, the slide fastener sealing systems may be used in other applications that do not necessarily involve liquid and/or potentially harmful gases.

Illustrations

[0118] A collection of exemplary embodiments are provided below, including at least some explicitly enumerated as Illustrations providing additional description of a variety of example embodiments in accordance with the concepts described herein. These illustrations are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the disclosure not limited to these example illustrations but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents. [0119] Illustration 1. A slide fastener sealing system, comprising: (a) a separating slide fastener, comprising: (i) a first tape and a second tape, each tape comprising a first end, a second end, and fastening elements positioned along the tape; and (ii) wherein the first end of the first tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the first tape, wherein the first end of the second tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the second tape, wherein a sealing zone is located between the overlapping ends of the first and second tapes; (iii) a slider configured to engage and disengage the fastening elements of the first and second tapes, the first tape being separable from the second tape when the fastening elements are disengaged; and (iv) wherein the sealing zone comprises a passage surrounded on the passage's sides by the first and second tapes; (b) a sealing member, the sealing member configured to be secured to the slide fastener in a removable fashion such that at least a portion of the sealing member is positioned in the sealing zone to seal the passage, the sealing member comprising: (i) a sealing body; (ii) a connector configured to connect the sealing member to the slide fastener; and (iii) a sealing body actuator configured to expand the sealing body. [0120] Illustration 2. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, the slide fastener further comprising a first side seal located between the first and second ends of the first tape in the sealing zone, and a second side seal located between the first and second ends of the second tape in the sealing zone. [0121] Illustration 3. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the connector is configured to connect to the second ends of the first and second tapes. [0122] Illustration 4. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the second end of one of the tapes comprises a retaining box, wherein the connector is a resilient hook configured to connect to the retaining box in a removable fashion. [0123] Illustration 5. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the sealing member is configured such that when the connector connects the sealing member to the slide fastener, the sealing body is located adjacent the first and second side seals in the sealing zone. [0124] Illustration 6. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the sealing body actuator extends through the sealing body in a sliding fashion. [0125] Illustration 7. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations wherein the sealing body actuator comprises a thicker portion configured to expand the sealing body when the thicker portion is slid into the sealing body. [0126] Illustration 8. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the sealing body actuator further comprises a pull configured to extend beyond the passageway. [0127] Illustration 9. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein a material of the sealing body has a Shore hardness in the range of and including OO-30 to Shore D-65. [0128] Illustration 10. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein a material of the first and second side seals has a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 50 to 70. [0129] Illustration 11. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein, when the sealing member is positioned in the sealing zone and the fastening elements of the first tape are engaged with the fastening elements of the second tape, the slide fastener sealing system is configured to prevent fluid at a pressure of at least 1 PSI from penetrating through the sealing zone for at least 20 seconds. [0130] Illustration 12. A slide fastener sealing system, comprising: (a) a separating slide fastener, comprising: (i) a first tape and a second tape, each tape comprising a first end, a second end, and fastening elements positioned along the tape; and (ii) wherein the first end of the first tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the first tape, wherein the first end of the second tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the second tape, wherein a sealing zone is located between the overlapping ends of the first and second tapes; (iii) a slider configured to engage and disengage the fastening elements of the first and second tapes, the first tape being separable from the second tape when the fastening elements are disengaged; (iv) wherein the sealing zone comprises a passage surrounded on the passage's sides by the first and second tapes; and (v) a first side seal located between the first and second ends of the first tape in the sealing zone, and a second side seal located between the first and second ends of the second tape in the sealing zone; (b) a sealing member, the sealing member configured to be secured to the slide fastener in a removable fashion such that at least a portion of the sealing member is positioned in the sealing zone to seal the passage, the sealing member comprising: (i) a sealing body; and (ii) a connector configured to connect the sealing member to the slide fastener. [0131] Illustration 13. A sealing member for a slide fastener sealing system, the sealing member comprising: (a) a deformable sealing body; (b) a connector attached to the sealing body, the connector comprising a resilient hook configured to connect the sealing member to a slide fastener, and (c) a sealing body actuator configured to deform and expand the sealing body when actuated, wherein the sealing body actuator extends through the sealing body in a sliding fashion. [0132] Illustration 14. The sealing member of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the material of the sealing body has a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 0 to 10. [0133] Illustration 15. A method of sealing a multi-piece article, the method of sealing comprising: (a) fastening together a first piece and a second piece of the multi-piece article with a slide fastener, the slide fastener comprising: (i) a first tape associated with the first piece of the article and a second tape associated with the second piece of the article, each tape comprising a first end, a second end, and fastening elements positioned along the tape; and (ii) wherein the first end of the first tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the first tape, wherein the first end of the second tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the second tape, wherein a sealing zone is located between the overlapping ends of the first and second tapes; (b) connecting a sealing member to the slide fastener, the sealing member comprising: (i) a sealing body; (ii) a connector configured to connect the sealing member to the slide fastener; and (iii) a sealing body actuator; and (c) actuating the sealing body actuator to expand the sealing body and seal the sealing zone. [0134] Illustration 16. A slide fastener sealing system, comprising: (a) a slide fastener, comprising: (i) a first and second tape, each tape comprising a first end, a second end, and fastening elements positioned along the tape; and (ii) wherein the first end of the first tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the first tape, wherein the first end of the second tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the second tape, wherein a sealing zone is located between the overlapping ends of the first and second tapes; (b) a sealing member, the sealing member configured to be secured to the slide fastener in a removable fashion such that at least a portion of the sealing member is positioned in the sealing zone; (c) wherein, when the sealing member is positioned in the sealing zone and the fastening elements of the first tape are engaged with the fastening elements of the second tape, the slide fastener sealing system is configured to prevent fluid at a pressure of 1 PSI from penetrating through the sealing zone for 20 seconds. [0135] Illustration 17. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein, when the sealing member is positioned in the sealing zone and the fastening elements of the first tape are engaged with the fastening elements of the second tape, the slide fastener sealing system is configured to prevent fluid at a pressure of 4 PSI from penetrating through the sealing zone for 20 seconds. [0136] Illustration 18. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein, when the sealing member is positioned in the sealing zone and the fastening elements of the first tape are engaged with the fastening elements of the second tape, the slide fastener sealing system is configured to prevent fluid at a pressure of 6.5 PSI from penetrating through the sealing zone for 20 seconds. [0137] Illustration 19. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the slide fastener further comprises a first side seal located between the first and second ends of the first tape in the sealing zone, wherein the slide fastener further comprises a second side seal located between the first and second ends of the second tape in the sealing zone, wherein the first and second side seals each include a material having a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 30 to 90. [0138] Illustration 20. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the material of the first and second side seals has a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 50 to 70. [0139] Illustration 21. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the sealing member further comprises a sealing body, the sealing body including a material having a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 0 to 30. [0140] Illustration 22. The slide fastener sealing system of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the material of the sealing body has a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 0 to 10. [0141] Illustration 23. The slide fastener of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations: wherein the slide fastener further comprises a first side seal located between the first and second ends of the first tape in the sealing zone, wherein the slide fastener further comprises a second side seal located between the first and second ends of the second tape in the sealing zone, wherein the first and second side seals each include a material having a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 30 to 90; and wherein the sealing member further comprises a sealing body, the sealing body including a material having a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 0 to 30. [0142] Illustration 24. The slide fastener of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the slide fastener comprises a separating slide fastener.

Additional ImprovementLugs and Cavities

[0143] In some implementations slide fastener sealing systems and methods may include lugs and cavities associated with a sealing body of a sealing member and with side seals of a slide fastener. The lugs and cavities may be configured to interact to resist movement of the sealing body relative to the first and second side seals. The lugs and cavities may facilitate appropriate alignment of the sealing member within the side seals, may help to control expansion of the sealing member during closure of the slide fastener, and may help to prevent rotation of the sealing member within the side seals during and after closure of the slide fastener.

[0144] The lugs and cavities may be incorporated into several of the example slide fastener sealing systems and methods described above. One example of a slide fastener sealing system incorporating lugs and cavities is shown in FIGS. 43-46.

[0145] FIGS. 43 and 44 schematically show in cross section an example of a slide fastener sealing system 2000 including a slide fastener 3000 and a sealing member 4000. FIGS. 43 and 44 schematically show the slide fastener sealing system 2000 in cross-section, with FIG. 43 showing the slide fastener 3000 and the sealing member 4000 separately and FIG. 44 showing the sealing member 4000 positioned in a passage 3030 of the slide fastener 3000. FIG. 45 shows half of the slide fastener 3000 of the example schematically shown in FIGS. 43 and 44. FIG. 46 shows a top view of the sealing member 4000 schematically shown in FIGS. 43 and 44.

[0146] In this example the slide fastener 3000 includes a first slide fastener segment 3010 with a first tape segment 3012, a second tape segment 3014, and fastening elements 3016 positioned along the first and second tape segments 3012, 3014. The slide fastener 3000 also includes a second slide fastener segment 3020 with a third tape segment 3022, a fourth tape segment 3024, and fastening elements 3026 positioned along the third and fourth tape segments 3022, 3024. The first slide fastener segment 3010 overlaps the second slide fastener segment 3020 such that a sealing zone forming a passage 3030 is located between the overlap of the first and second slide fastener segments 3010, 3020.

[0147] In this example the slide fastener 3000 also includes a first side seal 3040 extending between the first and third tape segments 3012, 3022 in the sealing zone, and a second side seal 3050 extending between the second and fourth tape segments 3014, 3024 in the sealing zone. The first and third tape segments 3012, 3022 are joined together at a first joint 3042, with the first side seal 3040 covering the first joint 3042 in the sealing zone. The second and fourth tape segments 3014, 3024 are joined together at a second joint 3052, with the second side seal 3050 covering the second joint 3052 in the sealing zone. In some implementations the first side seal 3040 may be molded to the first and third tape segments 3012, 3022, and the second side seal 3050 may be molded to the second and fourth tape segments 3014, 3024, with the side seals made of similar materials to the side seals discussed above in other examples.

[0148] In this example the sealing member 4000 includes a sealing body 4010 that is position-able in the passage 3030 to resist fluid movement through the passage 3030 when the fastening elements 3016, 3026 engage the first and second tape segments 3012, 3014 together and the third and fourth tape segments 3022, 3024 together. In this particular example, when the sealing body 4010 is positioned in the passage 3030 and the fastening elements 3016, 3026 engage the tape segments 3012, 3014, 3022, 3024 together, the sealing body 4010 compresses against the first and second side seals 3040, 3050 and the fastening elements 3016, 3026. The sealing body 4010 and the side seals 3040, 3050 may be deformable and formed of materials the same as or similar to those discussed above in earlier examples.

[0149] The sealing body 4010 in this example includes a top surface 4012, a bottom surface 4014 opposite the top surface 4012, a first side surface 4016 extending between the top and bottom surfaces 4012, 4014, and a second side surface 4018 opposite the first side surface 4016 and also extending between the top and bottom surfaces 4012, 4014. When the sealing body 4010 is positioned in the passage 3030 (with lugs 4020 extending into cavities 3060), the top and bottom surfaces 4012, 4014 will face the fastening elements 3016, 3026.

[0150] Lugs 4020 and cavities 3060 are associated with the sealing body 4010 and the first and second side seals 3040, 3050. In the particular example shown the lugs 4020 extend from the sealing body 4010 (from the first and second side surfaces 4016, 4018 in this example) and the cavities 3060 extend into the first and second side seals 3040, 3050. In other instances, the cavities may be formed in or otherwise associated with the sealing body and the lugs may extend from or otherwise be associated with the side seals.

[0151] The side seals 3040, 3050 includes a curved surface 3044, 3054. As shown in FIG. 45, the side seals 3040 may include multiple cavities 3060, which may be recessed relative to the curved surface 3044. The second side seal 3050 (not shown in FIG. 45) may be configured similarly to the first side seal 3040 shown in FIG. 45.

[0152] The first and second side surfaces 4016, 4018 of the sealing body 4010 are curved to compress against and seal with the curved surfaces 3044, 3054 of the side seals 3040, 3050. In the example shown in the figures, the lugs 4020 protrude outwardly from the curved side surfaces 4016, 4018 of the sealing body 4010.

[0153] In this example, when the sealing body 4010 is positioned in the passage 3030, the lugs 4020 extend into the cavities 3060, and the lugs 4020 and cavities 3060 will interact to resist movement of the sealing body 4010 relative to the first and second side seals 3050. In some implementations the lugs 4020 and cavities 3060 interact to resist movement of the sealing body 4010 along the passage 3030 and resist rotational movement of the sealing body 4010 in the passage 3030. In these or other implementations, engagement of the fastening elements 3016, 3026 with the sealing body 4010 positioned in the passage 3030 will compress the sealing body 4010 in the passage 3030, with the lugs 4020 and cavities 3060 interacting to resist longitudinal expansion of the sealing body 4010 (e.g. expansion along its length) along the passage 3030 (e.g. along the length of the passage). In some instances, this may facilitate ensuring that the sealing body 4010 seals against the passage 3030 around the sealing body's perimeter, facilitating sealing of the passage 3030 against fluid penetration through the length of the passage 3030. The interaction of the lugs 4020 and cavities 3060 may also facilitate appropriate alignment of the sealing member 4000 within the side seals 3040, 3050, and may help to prevent rotation of the sealing member 4000 within the side seals 3040, 3050 during and after closure of the slide fastener 3000.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 46 the top surface 4012 of the sealing body 4010 may include a surface profile in the form of a series of ridges 4022 oriented transverse to a long axis 4024 of the sealing body 4010. Although not shown in the figures, the bottom surface 4014 of the sealing body 4010 may include the same or similar ridges as the ridges 4022 on the top surface 4012. The ridges on the top and bottom surfaces 4012, 4014 may be configured to contact the fastening elements 3016, 3026 when the sealing body 4010 is positioned in the passage 3030 with the lugs 4020 extending into the cavities 3060, which may facilitate further sealing the passage 3030.

Additional ImprovementElement Fill

[0155] In some slide fastener sealing systems in which a sealing member is position-able in a passage formed by overlapping slide fastener segments, there may be the potential in some circumstances for fluid to penetrate along the length of the passage through small gaps between opposing fastening elements of the slide fastener segments. In the following example, element fill on the tape segments between some of the fastening elements is used to block this potential fluid flow path.

[0156] FIGS. 47 and 48 show an example of a slide fastener segment 5002, with FIG. 47 showing in cross section a first tape segment 5004 and an associated fastening element 5006 and FIG. 48 showing a portion of the first tape segment 5004 engaged with a portion of a second tape segment 5008 by fastening elements 5006. The first and second tape segments 5004, 5008 include inner edges 5010, 5012. As shown in FIG. 47, the inner edge 5010 protrudes relative to the fastening element 5006. The first and second tape segments 5004, 5008 are made of and/or treated with a water resistant or waterproof material. When the fastening elements 5006 engage the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008, the inner edge 5010 of the first tape segment 5004 compresses against the inner edge 5012 of the second tape segment 5008 to resist penetration of fluid through the slide fastener segment 5002. More specifically, when the fastening elements 5006 engage the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008, the inner edge 5010 of the first tape segment 5004 compresses against the inner edge 5012 of the second tape segment 5008 to resist penetration of fluid through the slide fastener segment 5002 from an exterior side 5014 of the slide fastener segment 5002 to an interior side 5016 of the slide fastener segment 5002.

[0157] FIGS. 49 and 50 schematically illustrate an example of a slide fastener system 5000 in cross-section including a slide fastener with two overlapping slide fastener segments 5002, 5022 and a sealing member with a sealing body 5030 position-able in a passage located between the overlap of the two slide fastener segments 5002, 5022. More specifically, in this example, the slide fastener system 5000 includes a first slide fastener segment 5002 with a first tape segment 5004, a second tape segment 5008, and fastening elements 5006 positioned along the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008, and also includes a second slide fastener segment 5022 with a third tape segment 5024, a fourth tape segment 5028, and fastening elements 5026 positioned along the third and fourth tape segments 5024, 5028. The first slide fastener segment 5002 overlaps the second slide fastener segment 5022, with a sealing zone forming a passage that is located between the overlap of the first and second slide fastener segments 5002, 5022. The sealing body 5030 of the sealing member is position-able in the passage to resist fluid movement through the passage when the fastening elements 5006 engage the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008 together and fastening elements 5026 engage the third and fourth tape segments 5025, 5028 together.

[0158] Similar to as described for FIG. 48, in the example of FIG. 49, when the fastening elements 5006 engage the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008 together, an inner edge of the first tape segment 5004 compresses against an inner edge of the second tape segment 5008 to resist penetration of fluid through the first slide fastener segment 5002; and when the fastening elements 5026 engage the third and fourth tape segments together 5024, 5028, an inner edge of the third tape segment 5024 compresses against an inner edge of the fourth tape segment 5028 to resist penetration of fluid through the second slide fastener segment 5022.

[0159] Thus, the compression of the inner edges of tape segments 5004, 5008 with one another and 5024, 5028 with one another is intended to resist passage of fluid through the slide fastener segments 5002, 5022, from an exterior to an interior side of the slide fasteners, or vice-versa; whereas the sealing body 5030 is intended to resist passage of fluid through the passage formed by the overlap of the first and second slide fastener segments 5002, 5022. However, in some circumstances, there still may be a possibility of undesirable amounts of fluid leakage through the passage. As shown in FIGS. 48-50, in some circumstances, there may be gaps 5040 between the fastening elements when they are engaged, such that there may remain a fluid flow path along the passage even when the sealing body 5030 is positioned therein. As shown in FIG. 51 the fluid flow path may be a tortious fluid flow path 5042 between opposing fastening elements 5006, which may extend along the length of the passage defined by the overlapping slide fastener segments. Thus, in FIG. 49, the gap 5040 between fastening elements 5006 of the first slide fastener segment 5002 may create a first tortious fluid flow path between those opposing fastening elements, and the gap 5040 between fastening elements 5026 of the second slide fastener segment 5022 may create a second tortious fluid flow path between those opposing fastening elements.

[0160] The tortious fluid flow path created by gaps 5040 in the first slide fastener segment 5002 may be bounded by and in between the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008 and the sealing body 5030. Similarly, the tortious fluid flow path created by gaps 5040 in the second slide fastener segment 5022 may be bounded by and in between the third and fourth tape segments 5024, 5028 and the sealing body 5030. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 49, the compressed together tape segments can be viewed as forming the floor or ceiling of the tortious flow path, the sealing body forming the other of the floor or ceiling of the tortious flow path, and the fastening elements forming the walls of the tortious flow path.

[0161] FIGS. 52 and 53 show a slide fastener system 5000 that is identical to the one shown in FIGS. 49 and 50 except that in FIGS. 52 and 53 element fill 5050 has been added between some of the fastening elements to block the tortious fluid flow path 5042 created by gaps between the fastening elements. More specifically, in this example, the first tape segment 5004 includes a first element fill between some of its fastening elements 5006, the second tape segment 5008 includes a second element fill between some of its fastening elements 5006, the third tape segment 5024 includes a third element fill between some of its fastening elements 5026, and the fourth tape segment 5028 includes a fourth element fill between some of its fastening elements 5026.

[0162] When the sealing body 5030 of the sealing member is positioned in the passage formed by the overlap of the first and second slide fastener segments 5002, 5022 with the fastening elements 5006 engaging the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008 together (such that their inner edges compress together) and the fastening elements 5026 engaging the third and fourth tape segments 5024, 5028 together (such that their inner edges compress together), the first, second, third, and fourth element fills block the tortious fluid flow paths 5042 along the passage in the gaps between the fastening elements 5006, 5026. More specifically, in this example, when fastening elements 5006 engage the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008 together, the first element fill (formed on the first tape segment 5004 between some of its fastening elements) compresses against the heads of opposing fastening elements on the second tape segment 5008, and the second element fill (formed on the second tape segment 5008 between some of its fastening elements) compresses against the heads of opposing fastening elements on the first tape segment 5004. Similarly, when fastening elements 5026 engage the third and fourth tape segments 5024, 5028 together, the third element fill (formed on the third tape segment 5024 between some of its fastening elements) compresses against the heads of opposing fastening elements on the fourth tape segment 5028, and the fourth element fill (formed on the second tape segment 5028 between some of its fastening elements) compresses against the heads of opposing fastening elements on the third tape segment 5024. The compression of the element fill against the opposing fastening elements helps to resist penetration of fluid along the length of the passage.

[0163] FIGS. 54-57 schematically show the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008 and the relative position of the element fill 5050 and the fastening elements 5006 on those tape segments. FIG. 54 shows the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008 engaged together by fastening elements 5006 such that heads 5052 of the fastening elements on the first tape segment 5004 compress against the element fill 5050 on the second tape segment 5008, and heads 5052 of the fastening elements 5006 on the second tape segment 5008 compress against the element fill 5050 on the first tape segment 5004. FIG. 55 shows a cross section of the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008, element fill 5050, and fastening elements 5006 taken along line 55-55 in FIG. 54. As shown in FIG. 55, the height of the element fill 5050 extending above and below the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008 is less than the height of the fastening elements 5006 extending above and below the first and second tape segments 5004, 5008. In this particular example the element fill is lower in height than the fastening element so that a head of a fastening element can extend over the element fill when the fastening elements are engaged, compressing against one another to prevent fluid flow. In this particular example the element fill also compresses against opposing element fill when the fastening elements are engaged to create an airtight/watertight seal.

[0164] FIGS. 56 and 57 are similar to FIGS. 54 and 55 except that FIGS. 56 and 57 only show the first tape segment 5004 and the relative position of the element fill 5050 and the fastening elements 5006 on the first tape segment 5004. FIG. 56 shows how the element fill 5050 fills the space between adjacent fastening elements 5006. FIG. 56 also shows that the fastening elements 5006 on the first tape segment 5004 extend past the inner edge 5010 of the first tape segment 5004. FIG. 57 a shows a cross section of the first tape segment 5004 and element fill 5050 taken along line 57a-57a in FIG. 56. FIG. 57 b shows a cross section of the first tape segment 5004, element fill 5050, and fastening elements 5006 take along line 57b-57b in FIG. 56. As schematically shown in FIGS. 57 a and b the inner edge 5054 of the element fill 5050 is coextensive with the inner edge 5010 of the first tape segment 5004. The element fill 5050 on the second, third, and fourth tape segments 5008, 5024, 5028 may similarly be coextensive with the inner edges of those tape segments. In other implementations, the element fill may be inset relative to the inner edge of the tape segments.

[0165] In some implementations the element fill of the first, second, third, and fourth tape segments 5004, 5008, 5024, 5028 is not located along the entire length of those tape segments, but is only located along part of their lengths. For example, in some implementations, the element fill is only located on portions of the first and second slide fastener segments that overlap, where the sealing zone forms a passage between the overlap of the first and second slide fastener segments. FIG. 58 shows an example of a slide fastener segment in which the element fill 5050 is only located along part of its length.

[0166] In some implementations the element fill is a deformable material that is molded onto the first, second, third, and fourth tape segments between the fastening elements located at the sealing zone of the slide fastening system. In some implementations the element fill may be made of a rubberlike material such as thermoplastic urethane (TPU) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In some implementations the element fill may be a TPU with a shore A hardness in the range of 40 A-85 A. In some implementations the element fill may be a silicone. In some implementations the fastening element may be nylon, Delrin, Teflon, or a flame retardant or glass reinforced material. Although not shown specifically in the figures, the tape segment may include openings that the element fill flows through during manufacture to enhance fixation and retention of the element fill on the tape segment.

Additional ImprovementSealing Member Connecting Body

[0167] FIGS. 60-68, 69-78, and 79-87 illustrate three examples of sealing members that can be used in the slide fastener sealing systems described above. The sealing members in these examples include a connecting body with protrusions that are configured to engage a portion of the slide fastener when the sealing body of the sealing member is positioned in the sealing zone passage of the slide fastener. In some implementations, the protrusions may easily snap on a box of the slide fastener with an audible click to facilitate properly locating and orienting the sealing member relative to the slide fastener sealing zone passage. In some implementations, these configurations of the connecting body may provide for a mechanically robust design that is also relatively easy to manufacture using mass manufacturing techniques (e.g. injection molding).

[0168] FIG. 60 shows a first example of a sealing member, with FIGS. 61-66 showing the sealing member of FIG. 60 from different viewpoints, and FIG. 67 showing the sealing member in a disassembled condition. As shown in FIGS. 60 and 67 the sealing member 6000 includes a sealing body 6002 and a connecting body 6004 extending from the sealing body 6002. As shown in FIG. 68 the sealing body 6002 is position-able in a sealing zone passage 6100 of a slide fastener, between the overlap of a first slide fastener segment 6102 and a second slide fastener segment 6104. The sealing body 6002 is position-able in the sealing zone passage 6100 to resist fluid movement through the passage 6100.

[0169] The connecting body 6004 in this example includes a first protrusion 6006 extending in a first direction 6008 and a second protrusion 6010 extending in a second direction 6012 that is transverse to the first direction 6008 (see. FIG. 65). As shown in FIG. 65, the first and second directions 6008, 6012 are approximately perpendicular to one another (e.g. oriented at an angle between 70 degrees to 110 degrees relative to one another). The first protrusion 6006 extends from a surface of the main body 6014 of the connecting body 6004. The second protrusion 6010 extends from a surface of an arm 6016 of the connecting body 6004, with the surface of the main body 6014 and the surface of the arm 6016 being approximately perpendicular to one another (e.g. oriented at an angle between 70 degrees to 110 degrees relative to one another).

[0170] As shown in FIG. 68, the first and second protrusions 6006, 6010 are configured to engage a portion of the slide fastener when the sealing body 6002 is positioned in the sealing zone passage 6100. In this specific example, the first and second protrusions 6006, 6010 are configured to engage a box end 6106 of the slide fastener, with the protrusions 6006, 6010 configured to engage opposite sides 6108, 6110 of the box end 6106 such that a top surface 6112 of the box end 6106 is substantially uncovered by the connecting body 6004 when they are engaged (e.g. 75% of more of the surface area of the top surface 6112 is uncovered by the connecting body 6004 when they are engaged).

[0171] In the example of FIGS. 60-68 the second protrusion 6010 engages the box at a top corner (see FIG. 68). In other examples, including the examples of FIGS. 69-78 and FIGS. 79-87, the second protrusion 6010 is configured to engage a rear surface of the box end in a vertical recess formed in the box end.

Additional ImprovementSealing Body With Rigid Member(s)

[0172] FIGS. 69-78 and FIGS. 79-87 show examples of sealing members including deformable sealing bodies that are deformable by actuation of an actuator extending through the sealing body. In these examples, the sealing bodies include rigid members that, in at least some implementations, may further improve on the sealing member's ability to resist fluid movement through the sealing zone passage of the slide fastener sealing system.

[0173] In the example of FIGS. 69-78 the sealing member 6000 includes a deformable sealing body 6002 position-able in a sealing zone passage of a slide fastener, and also includes an actuator 6018 extending through the sealing body 6002. Similar to some of the earlier described examples using similar actuators, actuation of the actuator 6018 (e.g. in this example translation of the actuator 6018 relative to the sealing body 6002) deforms the sealing body 6002 such that the sealing body 6002 expands to resist fluid movement through the sealing zone passage.

[0174] The sealing member 6000 includes at least one rigid member 6020 (in this example, four rigid members) located in the sealing body 6002. The rigid members 6020 are embedded in the deformable sealing body 6002 and extend from (and are integral parts of) a connecting body 6004 and an end body 6022 positioned on opposite ends of the deformable sealing body 6002. In one example implementation the sealing body 6002 may be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material having a shore A hardness in the range of 20-45 A and the connecting and end bodies 6004 and 6022 may be a nylon (PA) material having a shore D hardness in the range of 80-100.

[0175] As shown schematically in FIGS. 77 and 78, the rigid members 6020 are located between the actuator 6018 and the fastening elements 6114 of the slide fastener segments when the sealing body 6002 is positioned in the sealing zone passage. More specifically, in this example, the connecting body 6004 includes two rigid members 6020 embedded in the sealing body 6002 with one of the rigid members 6020 located between and in-line with the actuator 6018 and the fastening elements 6114 of one of the slide fastener segments 6116 and the other rigid member 6020 located between and in line with the actuator 6018 and the other slide fastener segment 6118. Similarly, the end body 6022 also includes two rigid members 6020 embedded in the sealing body 6002 with one of the rigid members 6020 located between and in-line with the actuator 6018 and the fastening elements 6114 of one of the slide fastener segments 6116 and the other rigid member 6020 located between and in-line with the actuator 6018 and the other slide fastener segment 6118. In some implementations, a rigid member, an actuator, and a longitudinal series of fastening elements may be considered to be in-line with one another if each is aligned directly or substantially directly under or over one another. In some implementations, a rigid member, an actuator, and a longitudinal series of fastening elements may be considered to be in-line with one another if each has a longitudinal axis that is co-planar or substantially co-planar with one another.

[0176] As shown schematically in FIGS. 77 and 78, actuation of the actuator 6018 moves the rigid members 6020 towards the fastening elements 6114 of the slide fastener segments. More specifically, actuation of the actuator 6018 deflects the rigid members 6020 towards the fastening elements 6114 of the slide fastener segments. The sealing body 6002 in this example includes a series of raised surface profiles 6024 (e.g. the ridges/ribs described in earlier examples) on opposing surfaces of the sealing body 6002 that are located between the rigid members 6020 and the fastening elements 6114. Actuation of the actuator 6018 deflects the rigid members 6020 such that the raised surface profiles 6024 will be pressed into the fastening elements 6114, thereby enhancing the sealing effect of the sealing member 6000.

[0177] In this example, the sealing effect is further enhanced by including rigid members 6020 extending into the sealing body 6002 from both sides of the sealing body 6002 such that expansion is enhanced along substantially the entire length of the sealing body 6002.

Additional ImprovementSealing Member With Capture Member

[0178] FIGS. 79-87 show another example of a sealing member usable in a slide fastener sealing system that are the same as or similar to other slide fastener sealing systems discussed above. In this example the sealing member 6000 includes a deformable sealing body 6002 position-able in a sealing-zone passage associated with a slide fastener, a connecting body 6004 adjacent the sealing body 6002, and an end body 6022 adjacent the sealing body 6002 opposite the connecting body 6004. An actuator 6018 (see FIG. 86) extends at least partially through the sealing body 6002, connecting body 6004, and end body 6022. Actuation of the actuator 6018 deforms the sealing body 6002 such that the sealing body 6002 expands to resist fluid movement through a sealing zone passage of a slide fastener. In this particular example, the actuator 6018 is actuated by inserting a hexagonal wrench into a hexagonal opening in an end of the actuator 6018 (see FIG. 82) and rotating the wrench.

[0179] In this particular example (and as shown best in FIG. 86) the connecting and end bodies 6004, 6022 each include an opening 6026 configured to receive a capture member that is configured to engage the actuator. FIG. 87 shows the actuator 6018 removed from the sealing member 6000 of this example. In this particular example the actuator 6018 includes an enlarged head 6028, an elongated shaft 6030 extending from the enlarged head 6028 to a threaded end 6032, a first groove 6034 adjacent the enlarged head 6028, and a second groove 6036 adjacent the threaded end 6032. A first capture member in the form of a clip retainer 6038 is configured to engage the actuator 6018 at the first groove 6034. The opening 6026 in the end body 6022 shown in the other figures of this example is sized and located to receive the clip 6038 such that it can engage the actuator 6018 at the first groove 6034. A second capture member in the form of a threaded nut 6040 is configured to engage the actuator 6018 at the threaded end 6032. The opening 6026 in the connecting body 6004 shown in the other figures of this example is sized and located to receive the threaded nut 6040 such that the actuator 6018 can be threaded through the nut 6040, thereby engaging the threaded nut 6040 to the actuator 6018. A third capture member in the form of another clip retainer 6042 is configured to engage the actuator 6018 at the second groove 6036, which may protrude outside an end of connecting body 6004. The engagement of clip 6042 with actuator 6018 may limit the degree to which nut 6040 may be unthreaded from the actuator 6018, preventing un-intentional disengagement of the actuator 6018 from nut 6040.

[0180] In this particular example, rotation of the actuator 6018 deforms the sealing body 6002. During rotation, the threads of nut 6040 engage the threads of the actuator 6018 such that as the actuator 6018 rotates relative to the nut 6040, it will also translate relative to the nut 6040. On the other hand, during rotation, the clip 6038 adjacent the enlarged head 6028 allows rotation of the actuator 6018 relative to the clip 6038, but prevents the actuator 6018 from translating relative to the clip 6038 (and consequently prevents the actuator 6018 from translating relative to the end body 6022 as the clip 6038 is held in the opening 6026 of end body 6022).

[0181] The above description is provided only to describe several non-limiting examples of slide fastener sealing systems and related methods. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made to the slide fastener sealing systems and related methods without departing from the scope or the spirit of the inventions claimed by this and related patents. In other words, the above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described example(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims that follow.