Zip Tail Stop

A tail stop arrangement (200) for a zip (100) is provided. The tail stop arrangement (200) comprises a first tail stop (300) for attachment to a first zip tape (102), the first tail stop (300) comprising a body (302) comprising a channel (304) and a second tail stop (400) for attachment to a second zip tape (104), the second tail stop (400) comprising a protrusion (406). The body (302) of the first tail stop (300) has a longitudinal axis and the channel (304) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. A coordinate system of the tail stop arrangement (300) comprises a y-direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, an x-direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along which the channel (304) is open and a z-direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along which the channel (304) is closed. The protrusion (406) is configured to be inserted into the channel (304) in the x-direction to engage the first and second tail stops (300, 400). The protrusion (406) is configured to slide within the channel (304) in the y-direction when the first and second tail stops (300, 400) are engaged, wherein the protrusion (406) is configured to slide in the channel (304) towards an end position. When the protrusion (406) is in the end position the first and second tail stops (300, 400) are aligned by the engagement of the protrusion (406) with the channel (304) in the x-, y- and z-directions to enable the zip (100) to be fastened.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a tail stop arrangement for a zip and a zip.

BACKGROUND

Zips are used as closures on clothing and life preservers for example, to bind two edges together. Zips are typically opened and closed by pulling a slider along two sets of teeth, which are brought together at one end in which a male zipping part is inserted into a female zipping part.

This manoeuvre may be difficult or even extremely difficult to perform for some people with lowered visual acuity or impairment and dexterity caused by a range of medical conditions such as a stroke, Parkinson's Disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other neurological conditions.

In addition, young children fail to be able to use a zip easily. Further, in extreme weather conditions where wearing gloves is required, users experience extreme difficulties.

Zips are notoriously difficult to fasten on someone else's clothing whether or not the person is young, old or disabled in some way.

If the male and female zipping parts are not aligned correctly, the zipping process fails.

Zips were invented in the 1900's and there is a definite need to improve the design for a universal use to benefit everyone.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present invention provides a tail stop arrangement for a zip, comprising:a first tail stop for attachment to a first zip tape, the first tail stop comprising a body comprising a channel; anda second tail stop for attachment to a second zip tape, the second tail stop comprising a protrusion,wherein the body of the first tail stop has a longitudinal axis and the channel extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, a coordinate system of the tail stop arrangement comprises a y-direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, an x-direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along which the channel is open and a z-direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis along which the channel is closed,wherein the protrusion is configured to be inserted into the channel in the x-direction to engage the first and second tail stops and wherein the protrusion is configured to slide within the channel in the y-direction when the first and second tail stops are engaged, wherein the protrusion is configured to slide in the channel towards an end position, and wherein when the protrusion is in the end position the first and second tail stops are aligned by the engagement of the protrusion with the channel in the x-, y- and z-directions to enable the zip to be fastened.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a zip comprising:a first zip tape comprising a first set of teeth:a second zip tape comprising a second set of teeth configured to engage the first set of teeth:a slider arranged on the first set of teeth, configured to slide along the first set of teeth and guide the second set of teeth into engagement with the first set of teeth; and the tail stop arrangement:wherein the first zip tape comprises the first tail stop and wherein the second zip tape comprises the second tail stop and wherein the y-direction is parallel to the direction in which the slider is configured to slide on the teeth.

“Separating” zips are those in which the two edges can be completely separated when the zip is open. Tail stops are arranged at the end where the slider sits when the zip is open, the end which includes male and female parts that bring the two sides of the zip together. The female part is referred to as a ‘box’ and the male part is an ‘insertion pin’ in the present description. Top stops may also be provided at the other end of the teeth, to prevent the slider from coming off the teeth at the other end.

The zip tape is a strip of fabric including the teeth. The fabric may be sewn, glued or otherwise incorporated into a garment or whatever item includes the zip. The slider may be configured to interdigitate the teeth from each part of the zip (each zip tape). The slider may be arranged to slide on one of the sets of teeth whether the zip is open or closed. To close the zip, the other set of teeth also need to engage the slider. The slider may include a Y-shaped channel and may be mounted on the first zip tape via one side of the Y-shape. The second set of teeth may include the insertion pin configured to be inserted into the vacant side of the Y-shape. The insertion pin may be passed through the Y-shape and inserted into the box on the first zip tape. From this point, sliding the slider along both sets of teeth interdigitates them due to the Y-shaped channel.

By using the present tail stops, it is easier for the user to get the insertion pin into the box. The box may be configured to receive the insertion pin. A stop for the insertion pin may be included inside the box (as part of the box), configured to engage the insertion pin when inserted properly into the box.

In use, the user may bring the two tail stops together in the x-direction first. Once brought together in the x-direction, the user may slide the second tail stop with respect to the first tail stop in the y-direction with the protrusion in the channel.

The protrusion's end position may be a point in the channel furthest away from the teeth. If the teeth are arranged near the top of the tail stops, the end position is closer to the bottom of the tail stops. As the protrusion slides to its end position, the tail stops may be brought together in both the y- and z-directions.

Once the tail stops are aligned in the x-, y- and z-directions, it may be possible for the user to fasten the zip successfully—i.e. without the slider getting stuck on misaligned teeth.

The protrusion may comprise a chamfered edge for improving the ease of engagement between the protrusion and the channel. The chamfer may include a smooth edge to enable smooth sliding in the channel. The protrusion may comprise multiple chamfered edges to enable smooth sliding in either direction in the channel.

The channel may narrow towards the end position, so that the accuracy of alignment between the first tail stop and the second tail stop in the z-direction at the end position is improved as the protrusion is moved towards the end position.

In prior art zips, having the insertion pin and box at the tail stops, the user needs to align the insertion pin with the box in both the x- and z-direction before insertion of the insertion pin into the box in the y-direction. In this case (as the coordinates cannot be defined with respect to the channel of the first tail stop), the y-direction is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the zip tape and sets of teeth and the x- and z-directions are both perpendicular directions. Using the present tail stop arrangement, the accuracy of alignment in the z-direction need not be high for the user to begin the zipping process. The insertion pin is guided into the box as the protrusion slides in the channel towards the end point, which also brings the tail stops into alignment in z.

The first tail stop may comprise a first part and a second part that are configured to be clamped around the first zip tape, and the first part and the second part together define the channel. This may facilitate simple assembly of the zip. The first tail stop may comprise claws configured to pierce the first zip tape.

The second tail stop may further comprise a channel parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second tail stop, wherein the protrusion is arranged in the channel and is configured to project from the channel, wherein the channel is configured to receive zip elements associated with the first zip tape in use. For example, the channel in the second tail stop may be sized to receive the slider such that when the user is bringing the first and second tail stops together, they are not hindered by the slider. The channel in the second tail stop may account for the slider while the user is aligning the first and second tail stops.

The second tail stop may comprise a third part and a fourth part that are configured to be clamped around the second zip tape, and the third part and the fourth part together define the channel. This may facilitate simple assembly of the zip. The second tail stop may comprise claws configured to pierce the second zip tape.

The third part and the fourth part may each comprise a portion of the protrusion. When brought together to clamp the second zip tape, this may also bring the portions of the protrusion together to form the protrusion. Alternatively, the protrusion may be arranged on one of the third or fourth parts.

The first and second tail stops may be formed from polymeric material. For example, the first and second tail stops may include a plastics material.

Alternatively, the first and second tail stops may include metal. In one example, one of the first and second tail stops may comprise a ferromagnetic material and the other of the first and second tail stops may comprise a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet may be configured to attract the ferromagnetic material magnetically to bring the first and second tail stops together.

In one example, both the first and second tail stops may comprise a permanent magnet configured to attract one another magnetically and bring the first and second tail stops together.

The second tail stop may comprise the permanent magnet and the magnet may be arranged on or within the protrusion. The channel in the first tail stop may include a ferromagnetic material and/or a magnet and the protrusion may be magnetically attracted towards the channel. The protrusion may comprise a chamfered edge and the permanent magnet may be arranged adjacent the chamfered edge.

The first tail stop and the second tail stop may each have an outer surface for grasping by a user, wherein when the protrusion is at the end position and the tail stops are aligned in the x-, y- and z-directions, the smooth outer surfaces may be parallel. Especially where the user is visually impaired or blind, the user may rely on touch the identify that the tail stops—and therefore the insertion pin and box—are aligned. The tail stops may be configured such that the outer surfaces of each sit parallel, forming a single outer surface, once the protrusion is in its end position.

The first zip tape may comprise the box (which may be adjacent the first set of teeth and configured to retain the slider on the first set of teeth). The channel of the first tail stop may be configured to receive the box. The channel of the first tail stop may extend away from the box along a length of the first tail stop, in the y-direction.

The first tail stop may clamp to the first zip tape adjacent the box.

In examples, the first tail stop may comprise the box, configured to retain the slider on the first set of teeth. The box may also be configured to ensure that when the insertion pin is inserted properly, the second set of teeth is properly aligned with the first set of teeth for closure. The box may also be configured to ensure the slider is correctly positioned on the first set of teeth to ensure correct matching of the first set of teeth with the second set of teeth when they are brought together. The box may also be configured to prevent the ends of the zip from bursting apart under load.

The second zip tape may comprise the insertion pin, configured to be inserted into the box through the slider to engage the slider with the second set of teeth.

In examples, the first tail stop may comprise a groove and the insertion pin may be configured to be inserted into the groove through the slider to engage the slider with the second set of teeth. The groove may include a stop for the insertion pin, configured to engage the insertion pin when it is inserted properly into the groove. In this example, the groove may replace the need for a box.

The zip may comprise a latching arrangement, wherein the first tail stop comprises a latch configured to latch onto a latch receiving element of the second tail stop, wherein the latching arrangement is configured to retain the first and second tail stops in the x-direction to prevent them from bursting apart under load.

The second tail stop may comprise a channel and the insertion pin may be arranged in the channel of the second tail stop. Part of the second zip tape may be arranged in the channel and the insertion pin may be attached to the second zip tape in a manner allowing the insertion pin to move around on the second zip tape (a fabric) within the channel. This flexibility may make it easier for the user to insert the insertion pin into the box. The channel may make allowances for the user misaligning the first and second tail stops when trying to insert the insertion pin into the box.

When the protrusion is in the end position, the insertion pin may be inserted into the box. This is because when the protrusion is in the end position, the first and second tail stops may be brought into alignment in x, y and z. Aligning the first and second tail stops in the y-direction may bring the insertion pin into the box.

The second tail stop may comprise a recess closer to the second zip tape than the protrusion, configured to receive the slider. The recess may make allowances for the user struggling to align the first and second tail stops in the x- and z-directions and getting the protrusion into the channel of the first tail stop. The user can attempt to insert the protrusion correctly without banging the body of the second tail stop on the slider (and potentially damaging the zip or getting it stuck).

The slider may comprise a tab configured to allow a user to move the slider on the teeth and wherein the recess has a length longer than a length of the tab. When the slider and tab are at the tail stop end of the second zip tape, the recess may make it easier for the user to grasp the tab. In particular where the zip is used on cold weather clothing such that the user may be operating the zip wearing gloves or mittens, making it easier to grasp the tab is desirable.

The first and second tail stops may extend a length from the respective first and second zip tapes of less than 0.1 m. The tail stops may extend a length from the respective zip tapes 0.08 m, for example, or 0.07 m or 0.06 m, 0.05 m or less than 0.05 m. Each tail stop may have a length of less than 0.1 m, for example 0.08 m, or less than 0.05 m for example. This may minimise how noticeably different the present zip is from a conventional zip. A benefit of the present zip may be that a user of a product including the zip may feel the effects of the improved first and second tail stops without noticing an aesthetic difference, difference in weight of the product, or the like.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example in more detail below. Terms such as horizontal, vertical, upper and lower should be understood as referring to relative positions and directions, since embodiments of the invention can be oriented arbitrarily (in any direction).

Referring toFIGS.1to5, a zip100is shown including a tail stop arrangement200. The tail stop arrangement200comprises a first tail stop300and a second tail stop400. The first tail stop300is attached to a first zip tape102and the second tail stop400is attached to a second zip tape104. The zip tapes102,104each comprise a set of teeth106that are configured to interdigitate to close the zip100. The teeth106are brought together and separated by a slider108. In order to interdigitate the teeth106and fasten the zip100, the insertion pin116must be fully inserted into the box114through the slider108. Following this, moving the slider108up the zip tapes102,104will interdigitate the teeth106and fasten the zip100.

Inserting the insertion pin116into the box114is often difficult, because the pin116is relatively small, and the alignment of the pin116with the box114must be relatively precise in order to properly engage. The slider108is provided with a tab110for a user to clasp and use to pull the slider108along the teeth106.

According to an embodiment, the process of inserting the pin116into the box114is simplified and guided using the tail stop arrangement200.

The first tail stop300comprises a body302. In this embodiment the body302comprises a first part311and second part312which are clamped about the first zip tape102. The first part311may be secured to the second part312using fasteners such as screws322, or any other suitable method (e.g. a snap fit or using an adhesive).

A channel304is defined in the body302. The channel304defines a y direction along its length and an x direction, perpendicular to the y direction, along which the channel304is open.FIG.1depicts the x and y directions. A z direction is defined perpendicular to both x and y directions (out of the page inFIG.1). The y direction corresponds with the direction that the slider108moves in order to fasten and unfasten the zip100. For a front zip of a coat positioned at the front of the body when worn, the y direction is vertical, the x direction is horizontal and extends in the medial/lateral direction, and the z direction is horizontal and extends in the anterior/posterior direction.

A benefit of the tail stop arrangement200is that the user may bring the tail stops300,400together with comparatively inefficient (or inaccurate) alignment in the z direction and still achieve proper alignment for the zip100to be closed, because the tail stops300,400are configured to ensure alignment in the x and y directions that naturally cause subsequent alignment in the z direction.

The zip tape102fixed to the first tail stop300is positioned with the box114near an upper end303of the first tail stop300. The channel304in the first tail stop300may be open at the upper end303of the first tail stop300, and closed near the lower end301of the first tail stop300so as to define an end stop305.

The body302further comprises a face313, which contacts the second tail stop400to define the relative positions of the first tail stop300and the second tail stop400in the x direction.

The channel304may extend over at least half the length of the body302(in the y direction), for example, three quarters of the length. The channel304may be positioned centrally (in the z direction) as depicted in the example embodiment, but this is not essential.

The second tail stop400comprises a body402. The body402may include at least two pieces (shown as a third part411and a fourth part412) configured to be brought together to form the body402. This may allow the body402to be clamped about the second zip tape104(with the third part and fourth part clamped either side of the zip tape104).FIG.1shows a pair of screws422through the body402securing the third part to the fourth part. Other suitable fixtures may be used, for example an adhesive, to form the body402.

The second tail stop400further comprises a protrusion406and a channel404. The protrusion406extends in the x direction outward from a face413of the second tail stop400. The protrusion406is configured to be received in the channel304of the first tail stop300, thereby constraining the relative positions (in the z direction) of the first tail stop300and second tail stop400. The engagement between the face313of the first tail stop300and the face413of the second tail stop400constrain the relative positions of the first tail stop300and the second tail stop400in the x direction. The protrusion406and the faces313,413guide the engagement between the first and second tail stop300,400and the first and second zip tapes102,104.

The protrusion406is also configured to constrain the relative angular positions of the first tail stop300and the second tail stop400when the protrusion406is received in the channel304. For example, the protrusion406may comprise a flat ridge that is configured to be received in the channel304so as to constrain relative rotation of the first tail stop300and the second tail stop400about the x axis. The protrusion may have a flat upper face and a parallel and flat lower face, and may be configured to provide a clearance fit with corresponding faces of the channel304.

The tail stops300,400may each have a width in the x direction at their ends300a,400a. The width of the first and second tail stops may be around 2.5 cm, for example within the range 1 cm to 3 cm. The length of the first and second tail stops may be in the range 1 cm to 105 cm. The widths (and/or lengths) of the first tail stop300and the second tail stop400do not have to be the same. The width of each body302,402may vary along the longitudinal axis of each body302,402. The length of the protrusion406(in the y direction) may be between 5 mm and 35 mm. The thickness of the protrusion406(in the z direction) may be 0.5 mm to 15 mm. The protrusion406may stand out from the face413by at least 1 mm, for example between 1 mm and 5 mm (in the x direction). The clearance between the protrusion406and the channel304may be at least 20 microns, and may be at least 50 microns (in the z direction).

The channel404of the second tail stop400may be configured to accommodate the box114of the first zip tape102during engagement of the first and second tail stops300,400, as shown inFIG.2. The box114may be received in the channel404of the second tail stop400as the protrusion406of the second tail stop400is received in the channel304of the first tail stop300(when the faces313,413are parallel).

The second tail stop400further comprises a recess408, for receiving the slider108of the first zip tape102as the first and second tail stop300,400are brought into engagement. The recess408may comprise a region of the channel404in the second tail stop400that is open in the z direction. The recess408may also make the tab110easier to grasp for a user, with the recess allowing space for the user's fingers to get to the tab110. The recess408may have a length longer than the tab110, to aid the user in grasping the tab110.

A removeable fastening means (such as screws422) may be used such that the bodies302,402are configured to be removably attachable to the zip tapes102,104. As such, the same bodies102,104may be re-used with new zip tapes102,104. In other embodiments, the fastening of the bodies302,402may be designed to be permanent.

In other embodiments one or more of the bodies302,402may comprise a single part. For example, the body302,402may comprise a flexible hinge along one side and a snap closing arrangement allowing it to be fastened (and optionally clamped about) about a zip tape102,104.

On or more of the bodies302,402may include barbs or hooks, for example, for attaching to or even piercing the zip tape102,104. One or both of the bodies302,402may include a recess for receiving the respective zip tape102,104.

Each body302,402may be formed from a polymeric material or a metal, for example. It may be desirable to use a lightweight material such that a user having the tail stop arrangement200on their clothing does not notice an additional weight.

In the example embodiments the channel304in the first tail stop300is defined in both the first and second part311,312. In other embodiments the channel of the first tail stop300may be formed exclusively in the first part311or the second part312. For example, the first part311may be defined as a simpler flat “lid” for a channel defined in the second part312.

Similarly the channel404and protrusion406of the second tail stop are defined, in the example embodiment, by both the first and second part411,412. In other embodiments the channel404and/or protrusion406may be formed exclusively from the first part411or the second part412.

The protrusion406may include a chamfered edge416to improve the ease of insertion into the channel304.

InFIG.1, the first and second tail stops300,400are shown disengaged and separated by a distance of around 25 mm. InFIG.2, the first tail stop300and the second tail stop400are in contact, with protrusion406of the second tail stop400received in the channel304of the first tail stop300, and the box114of the first zip tape102received in the channel404of the second tail stop400. The face313of the first tail stop300is in contact with the face413of the second tail stop400.

From the position indicated inFIG.2, the first tail stop300can slide along the second tail stop, guided by the engagement of the protrusion406with the channel304and the contact between faces313and413. Moving the first tail stop300upwards along the second tail stop400will insert the insertion pin116into the box114through the slider108. The relative movement of the engaged first tail stop300and second tail stop400may be limited by engagement of the insertion pin116in the box114, and/or by engagement of the protrusion406with the stop305defining the end of the channel304. Following the insertion pin116being received in the box114, the slider108can be moved up the zip100to interdigitate (fasten) the zip100. The protrusion406may be referred to as in an end position when the insertion pin116is inserted into the box114.

When the protrusion406reaches the end position, the first and second tail stops300,400may be engaged such that their ends300a,400alie parallel, but this is not essential.

The channel304may include a taper. For example, the channel304may narrow towards the end position to limit movement of the protrusion406in the z-direction further as the protrusion is moved downward along into the channel304. In this way, the tail stop arrangement200may have generous alignment tolerance when the protrusion406is first inserted into the channel304, and the tolerance may become smaller as the protrusion406moves toward the end position.

When after having undone the zip100, the user can separate the tail stops and disengage the insertion pin116from the box114by moving the protrusion406along the channel304away from the end position towards the box114.

The first tail stop300may be configured to be attached to the first zip tape102around the box114such that the box114is not prevented from performing its usual function. The channel304in the body302may be configured to at least partly receive the box114, for example. In some embodiments, the first tail stop may be configured such that the box114does not stick out from the body302and so is less vulnerable to damage.

In an alternative embodiment, the first tail stop300is configured to retain the slider108on the teeth106of the first zip tape102. The pieces311and312may clamp around the first zip tape102in order to retain the slider108. The body302may comprise a box114configured to retain the slider108on the teeth106.

The box114may not be required and instead the body302of the first tail stop300may provide functions of a box114. The first tail stop300may provide a function of a box114, instead of the box114, in providing a “stop” for the slider108to ensure its correct positioning for the first and second sets of teeth106to match up and allow the slider108then to slide on the teeth106without getting stuck. The first tail stop300may provide another function of a box114, instead of a box114, by comprising a groove configured to receive the insertion pin116. The groove may be dimensioned to receive the insertion pin116in a snug fit. The groove may be defined in the body302above the channel304—i.e. closer to the slider108than the channel304. The groove may be defined in the face313of the first tail stop300. The first tail stop300may provide another function of a box114, instead of a box114, by comprising a latch. The first and second tail stops300,400may comprise a latching arrangement, wherein the latch may be configured to latch onto a latch receiving element of the second tail stop400. The latching arrangement may be configured to retain the first and second tail stops300,400in the x-direction to prevent the tail stops300,400from bursting apart under load. The latching arrangement may be configured to retain the first and second tail stops300,400in the x-direction to prevent the teeth106of each zip tape102,104from bursting apart under load—a usual function of a box114—which may be achieved by preventing the tail stops300,400from bursting apart.

The latch and latch receiving element may be engaged by sliding the protrusion406in the channel304as described above, thus not adding a level of difficulty to closing the zip100for the user. The latch and latch receiving element may be disengaged by sliding the protrusion406in the channel304as described above, again avoiding making the zip100difficult to use.

The pieces411and412of the second body402may be configured to attach to the second zip tape104but not affixed to the insertion pin116itself. This may leave the insertion pin116exposed, allowing it to be pulled into the box114when the protrusion406slides in the channel304. As shown, the channel404may be configured to receive the insertion pin116—as with the box114above, this may prevent the insertion pin116from sticking out from the body402in use and thus prevent damage to the insertion pin116. In addition, all the user needs to feel is the pair of tail stops300,400and possibly the protrusion406to identify how to engage the insertion pin116and box114: they do not need to feel for the insertion pin116and box114, so having these elements received in the channels304,404rather than sticking out from the bodies302,402may aid the user.

In an alternative embodiment one or more features of the zip tapes102,104may be integrated with the first tail stop300and/or the second tail stop400. For example, the first tail stop300may be formed integrally with the end of the zip tape102and comprise an insertion pin116, and/or the second tail stop400may be formed integrally with the second zip tape400and comprise a box114(as already mentioned above).

In some embodiments the two sets of teeth may be brought into alignment simply by the protrusion406being at its end position, enabling a slider108to slide successfully on the two sets of teeth106. The tail stops300,400may be retrofittable to an existing zip100having an insertion pin116and a box114, or a zip100may be specially manufactured with its own tail stops300,400and zip tapes102,104.

As shown most clearly inFIG.3, the second tail stop400may comprise a recess408configured to receive the slider108. In addition, the recess408may make the tab110easier to grasp for a user, with the recess408allowing space for the user's fingers to get to the tab110. The recess408may have a length longer than the tab110, to aid the user in grasping the tab110.

In some embodiments, the second tail stop400may comprise a permanent magnet. An example embodiment is schematically illustrated inFIG.11, comprising a permanent magnet420, which is clamped between the first part411and second part422of the second tail stop. The embodiment ofFIG.11shares the features described with reference toFIGS.1to5, except that the protrusion is defined by a permanent magnet, and at least a portion of the first tail stop300comprises a ferromagnetic material, so that the first tail stop300and second tail stop400are urged together by magnetic force. A magnet is not an essential feature, and it will be appreciated that other positions for the magnet will also work: the magnet could be in the first tail stop300, and/or a pole piece can be used to couple magnetic flux from the magnet in one tail stop to a ferromagnetic element in the other tail stop. In some examples, both tail stops300,400may include a permanent magnet and the two magnets may attract one another.

Referring toFIGS.6to10, an example engagement between a first tail stop and second tail stop is illustrated. The features of the tail stops are substantially as described with reference toFIGS.1to5. InFIG.6, the bodies302,402of the first and second tail stops are separate and not in contact. InFIG.7a portion of the protrusion406is inserted into the channel304. This partial insertion of the protrusion406into the channel will bring the box114into the correct position to be received in the channel404by rotation of the body302of the first tail portion300about the z axis in an anticlockwise direction. This rotation brings the first and second tail stops to the position shown inFIG.8. Further engagement brings the faces of the bodies302,402into engagement, and the slider108is received in the recess408. Sliding the protrusion downward along the channel in the y direction while keeping the faces of the bodies302,402engaged results in the insertion pin116being inserted fully into the box114, as shown inFIG.10. The slider108can then be moved to fasten the zip.

Although specific examples have been described, these are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which should be determined with reference to the accompanying claims.