Slide fastener sealing systems and methods

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.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to slide fastener sealing systems and related methods that can be used in applications involving liquids or potentially harmful gases.

BACKGROUND

Zippers and other slide fasteners can be used to fasten components that may be used in applications that may involve liquids and/or potentially harmful gases. As some non-limiting examples, zippers and other slide fasteners may be used in waterproof garments, laboratory suits, boat covers, and other applications as desired. As one non-limiting example, zippers and other slide fasteners can be used to fasten components of a waterproof garment together in a removable fashion, to allow a user to relatively easily put the garment on and take it off. In applications that may involve liquids and/or potentially harmful gases, the slide fastener should ideally not detract from the ability of the article (e.g., the waterproof garment) to resist or minimize passage of fluid and/or gas into or out of the article. While there are some sealing zippers and zipper systems on the market that have been used for this purpose, available options all have disadvantages, and there remains room for improvement. This patent describes improved slide fastener sealing systems and related methods.

SUMMARY

According to certain embodiments, a slide fastener sealing system includes a separating slide fastener that includes a first tape and a second tape, where each tape includes a first end, a second end, and fastening elements positioned along the tape. In some embodiments, the first end of the first tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the first tape, the first end of the second tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the second tape, and a sealing zone is located between the overlapping ends of the first and second tapes. The separating slide fastener also includes 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. In some embodiments, the sealing zone includes a passage surrounded on the passage's sides by the first and second tapes. In various embodiments, the slide fastener sealing system includes a 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 includes a sealing body, a connector configured to connect the sealing member to the slide fastener, and a sealing body actuator configured to expand the sealing body.

In some embodiments, the slide fastener includes 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. The connector may be configured to connect to the second ends of the first and second tapes. In some aspects, the second end of one of the tapes includes a retaining box, and the connector includes a resilient hook configured to connect to the retaining box in a removable fashion. In various embodiments, 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. In some cases, the sealing body actuator extends through the sealing body in a sliding fashion. The sealing body actuator may include a thicker portion configured to expand the sealing body when the thicker portion is slid into the sealing body. In various embodiments, the sealing body actuator includes a pull configured to extend beyond the passageway.

In various embodiments, a material of the sealing body has a Shore hardness in the range of and including OO-30 to Shore D-65. In some embodiments, a material of the first and second side seals has a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 50 to 70. In certain embodiments, 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.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a slide fastener sealing system includes a separating slide fastener having a first tape and a second tape where each tape includes a first end, a second end, and fastening elements positioned along the tape. In some embodiments, the first end of the first tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the first tape, the first end of the second tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the second tape, and a sealing zone is located between the overlapping ends of the first and second tapes. The slide fastener may include 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. In certain embodiments, the sealing zone includes a passage surrounded on the passage's sides by the first and second tapes. A first side seal may be located between the first and second ends of the first tape in the sealing zone, and a second side seal may be located between the first and second ends of the second tape in the sealing zone. The slide fastener sealing system may also include a 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 includes a sealing body and a connector configured to connect the sealing member to the slide fastener

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a sealing member for a slide fastener sealing system includes a deformable sealing body, a connector attached to the sealing body and having a resilient hook configured to connect the sealing member to a slide fastener, and a sealing body actuator configured to deform and expand the sealing body when actuated. In some embodiments, the sealing body actuator extends through the sealing body in a sliding fashion. In some embodiments, the material of the sealing body has a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 0 to 10.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, a method of sealing a multi-piece article includes fastening together a first piece and a second piece of the multi-piece article with a slide fastener and connecting a sealing member to the slide fastener. The slide fastener includes a first tape associated with the first piece of the article and a second tape associated with the second piece of the article, and each tape includes a first end, a second end, and fastening elements positioned along the tape. In some embodiments, the first end of the first tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the first tape, the first end of the second tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the second tape, and a sealing zone is located between the overlapping ends of the first and second tapes. The sealing member includes a sealing body, a connector configured to connect the sealing member to the slide fastener, and a sealing body actuator. In some embodiments, the method includes actuating the sealing body actuator to expand the sealing body and seal the sealing zone.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a slide fastener sealing system includes a slide fastener having a first and second tape, each tape including a first end, a second end, and fastening elements positioned along the tape. In some embodiments, the first end of the first tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the first tape, the first end of the second tape overlaps and is secured to the second end of the second tape, and a sealing zone is located between the overlapping ends of the first and second tapes. The slide fastener sealing system may include a 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. In some embodiments, 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.

In various embodiments, 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. In some cases, 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.

In some embodiments, the slide fastener includes a first side seal located between the first and second ends of the first tape in the sealing zone, a second side seal located between the first and second ends of the second tape in the sealing zone, and the first and second side seals each include a material having a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 30 to 90. In various embodiments, the material of the first and second side seals has a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 50 to 70. In certain embodiments, the sealing member further includes a sealing body having a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 0 to 30. In some cases, the material of the sealing body has a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 0 to 10.

In various aspects, the slide fastener includes a first side seal located between the first and second ends of the first tape in the sealing zone, a second side seal located between the first and second ends of the second tape in the sealing zone, and the first and second side seals each include a material having a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 30 to 90. In some cases, the sealing member includes a sealing body, and the sealing body includes a material having a Shore A hardness in the range of and including 0 to 30. In some embodiments, the slide fastener comprises a separating slide fastener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

Structure and Relationship of Parts

Referring toFIG.10, the sealed zipper assembly ofFIGS.1-11includes a first zipper segment12and a second zipper segment14in overlapping relation to create a sealing zone16. Referring toFIG.6andFIG.9, sealing zone16can be viewed as forming a tunnel. Referring toFIG.10, in this regard, sealing zone16has an exterior opening18and an interior opening20. Referring toFIG.9andFIG.10, a sealing element22is positioned in sealing zone16to prevent leakage between first zipper segment12and second zipper segment14. Referring toFIG.11, sealing element22is illustrated. Referring toFIG.9andFIG.10, sealing element22is resiliently deformable and is compressed within sealing zone16by first zipper segment12and second zipper segment14. Referring toFIG.10, it will be noted that with this first example, first zipper segment12and second zipper segment14are part of a single interlocking zipper fastener24and create a single sealing zone, previously identified as sealing zone16. 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.

Referring toFIG.1throughFIG.5andFIG.8, interlocking zipper fastener24has a first series of interlocking teeth26supported on a band28and a second series of interlocking teeth30supported on a band32. At least one slider34is provided. Referring toFIG.7andFIG.10, interlocking zipper fastener24has a first end36that serves as first zipper segment12and a second end38that serves as second zipper segment14in this embodiment.

Referring toFIG.2, a garment body40made with waterproof fabric consists of a first or upper discrete body component42and a second or lower discrete body component44. Interlocking zipper fastener24is in a circular configuration that enables first discrete body component42to be separated from second discrete body component44. Referring toFIG.2, band28supporting first series of interlocking teeth26constituting a first half of interlocking zipper fastener24is secured to first discrete body component42in a generally circular configuration to form a first half of first zipper segment12and a first half of second zipper segment14in overlapping relation. Similarly, band32supporting second series of interlocking teeth30constituting a second half of interlocking zipper fastener24is secured to second discrete body44component in a generally circular configuration to form a second half of the first zipper segment12and a second half of the second zipper segment14in overlapping relation.

Referring toFIG.3, slider34is used to slide along interlocking zipper fastener24in a first direction to bring first series of interlocking teeth26and second series of interlocking teeth30into engagement as illustrated inFIG.1. Referring toFIG.4, slider34slides along interlocking zipper fastener24in a second direction to disengage first series of interlocking teeth26and second series of interlocking teeth30to disengage interlocking zipper fastener24, as illustrated inFIG.2. Referring toFIG.6,FIG.7,FIG.9andFIG.10, as slider34interlocks first series of interlocking teeth26and second series of interlocking teeth30, it completes first zipper segment12and second zipper segment14, the overlapping of which creates sealing zone16. Sealing zone16is then ready to receive sealing element22. Referring toFIG.11, sealing element22has ridges46that assist in sealing. Sealing element22also has a first channel48on a first face50and a second channel52on a second face54. Referring toFIG.9, First channel48receives interlocked teeth56of first zipper segment12and second channel52receives interlocked teeth58of second zipper segment14.

Operation

Referring toFIG.2, band28supporting first series of interlocking teeth26constituting a first half of interlocking zipper fastener24is secured to first discrete body component42in a generally circular configuration to form a first half of first zipper segment12and a first half of second zipper segment14in overlapping relation. Band32supporting second series of interlocking teeth30constituting a second half of interlocking zipper fastener24is secured to second discrete body44component in a generally circular configuration to form a second half of the first zipper segment12and a second half of the second zipper segment14in overlapping relation. Referring toFIG.3, slider34slides along interlocking zipper fastener24in a first direction to bring first series of interlocking teeth26and second series of interlocking teeth30into engagement as illustrated inFIG.1. Referring toFIG.6andFIG.7, as slider34interlocks first series of interlocking teeth26and second series of interlocking teeth30, it completes first zipper segment12and second zipper segment14the overlapping of which creates sealing zone16. Referring toFIG.9andFIG.10, sealing element22is compressed within sealing zone16by first zipper segment12and second zipper segment14.

Variations

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

The first example included a single sealing element22. Referring toFIG.15, there is illustrated an alternative sealing element122that has a first seal component124and a second seal component126. Referring toFIG.12, first seal component124is wedged into and held by friction or otherwise secured to first discrete body component42. Second seal component126is wedged into and held by friction or otherwise secured to second discrete body component44. Referring toFIG.13andFIG.14, when interlocking zipper fastener24is closed, first seal component124and second seal component126are forced together to form sealing element122which fills sealing zone16.

In the first example discussed above, sealing element22was held in place by friction and was removable. Referring toFIG.16andFIG.17, alternative sealing element222has a fabric strip224moulded into the elastomeric foam. Fabric strip224is used to secure alternative sealing element222to first discrete body component42. This is done by stitching through fabric strip224. Fabric strip224serves to anchor alternative sealing element222to first discrete body component42in a desired position where sealing zone16is formed by the overlapping of first zipper segment12and second zipper segment14of interlocking zipper fastener24. It will be appreciated that there are other ways to secure alternative sealing element within sealing zone16.

In the first example discussed above, sealing element22was elastomeric foam. Referring toFIG.18andFIG.19an alternative sealing element322is illustrated. Referring toFIG.18, sealing element322is a plug324that is suspended by a tether326from slider34when not in use. Referring toFIG.19, plug324is intended to be inserted into exterior opening18of sealing zone16to seal sealing zone16. It is preferred that plug324have a surface profile, such as ribs or ridges, to enhance both the sealing capacity and the holding capacity of plug324. It will be appreciated that there are other raised surface profiles that would similarly serve this purpose.

In the first example discussed above, first zipper segment12and second zipper segment14are positioned substantially parallel to interlocking zipper fastener24. Referring toFIG.22, first zipper segment12and second zipper segment14which form sealing zone16, can be configured so that they project outwardly or radially from interlocking zipper fastener24.

In the first example discussed above, there was only one interlocking zipper fastener24and only one sealing zone16. Referring toFIG.23, there is shown a configuration that has more than one interlocking zipper fastener24and more than one sealing zone16. With this configuration, first end36of one interlocking zipper fastener24serves as first zipper segment12and second end38of another interlocking zipper fastener124serves as second zipper segment14to create a first sealing zone16. In addition, first end36of interlocking zipper fastener124serves as first zipper segment12and second end38of interlocking zipper fastener24serves as second zipper segment14to create a second sealing zone116. It will be appreciated that although two interlocking zipper fasteners24and124have been illustrated in a circular configuration more than two interlocking zipper fastener could also be arranged in a circular configuration in a like manner.

It is not unusual for a garment intended for use in water, such as garment body40to have air transfer valves, to provide for air movement. Referring toFIG.24, alternative sealing element422is shown with an air transfer tube424extending through the body of alternative sealing element422. Air transfer tube424allows for movement of air in and out of garment body40. When garment body40is to be submerged in water or another liquid, a closure valve426can be used to close air transfer tube424.

In the first example discussed above, sealing element22was compressed. Referring toFIG.25, a bladder like alternative sealing element522is shown which is expandable like a balloon. Alternative sealing element522has a tube524into which a user may blow to inflate alternative sealing element522and a closure valve526that is to maintain air pressure within alternative sealing element522. When expanded, alternative sealing element522expands to occupy sealing zone16.

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 toFIG.26, one such clamping configuration is illustrated. Alternative sealing element622has a bolt624that runs through it lengthwise. There is a nut626on one end of the bolt624and a twist knob628on the other end of bolt624. Nut626serves as one clamping element and twist knob626serves as another clamping element. Turning twist knob628causes axial movement that compresses alternative sealing element622between twist knob628and nut626. When compressed, alternative sealing element622expands outwardly increasing the circumference of alternative sealing element622until alternative sealing element622seals the sealing zone.

Cautionary Warnings

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.

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.

Referring toFIG.1, stitches50are used to secure interlocking zipper fastener24in place. Referring toFIG.5, waterproof tape52is heat sealed or secured by adhesive to reverse side of stitches50to prevent liquids weeping through stitches50.

Referring toFIG.20andFIG.21, sealing zone16has edge seams54that are subject to leakage. Referring toFIG.20, leakage can be addressed by sealing edge seams54with pliable edge moulding56. Referring toFIG.21, leakage can also be addressed by sealing edge seams54by using a bead58of polymer caulking compound.

Improved Slide Fastener Sealing System

FIGS.27to41show another example of a slide fastener sealing system1000, featuring improvements, modifications, and alternatives to the slide fastener sealing systems described above. The system1000shown inFIG.27includes a slide fastener1002and a sealing member1004. The slide fastener sealing system1000may 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

FIGS.28and29show the slide fastener1002ofFIG.27in more detail, withFIG.29showing a cross-section of the slide fastener. The slide fastener1002includes two tapes1006, with each tape having a series of fastening elements1008positioned along the tape. Although not shown inFIGS.28and29, the slide fastener1002may include a slider (similar to, for example, the slider34shown inFIG.1), which is configured to engage and disengage the fastening elements1008of the two tapes1006when slid along the slide fastener1002.

As shown inFIG.28, one end of the two tapes1006overlaps the other end of the two tapes1006(only the overlapping and adjacent length of the slide fastener is shown in these Figures). The slide fastener1002ofFIGS.28and29may be formed in a loop, similar to the loop shown inFIG.7. AlthoughFIG.7shows a slide fastener formed in a circular loop, other looped shapes and configurations are also possible. As shown inFIGS.28and29, the overlapping ends of each tape1006are secured together along their edges1010. This may be done by heat sealing the edges of the ends of the tape together or in other manners. As shown inFIG.29, the slide fastener1002includes side seals1012(discussed later below) in the interior where the overlapping ends of the tapes1006are joined together.

The slide fastener shown in this example is a separating slide fastener, in which the two tapes1006may be completely detached from one another and reattached in normal use. As shown inFIGS.28and29, the separating slide fastener includes a retaining box1014at the end of the series of fastening elements1008of one of the tapes1006, and an insert pin1016at the end of the series of fastening elements1008of the other tape1006. The insert pin1016may be inserted into retaining box1014and the slider slid along the fastening elements1008to fasten the two tapes1006together. The slider may be slid in an opposite direction and the insert pin1016removed from the retaining box1014to separate the two tapes1006from one another.

As shown inFIG.29, with the slide fastener1002looped with one end of the tapes1006overlapping the other end and the edges1010of the tapes1006secured together, a passage1018is formed between the overlapping ends. When the slide fastener1002is incorporated into a waterproof garment or other sealed system, the passage1018is a place in which water, another liquid, or a gas could penetrate into or out of the system via open ends of the passage1018where the tapes1006are no longer overlapping. As discussed further below, the passage1018defines a sealing zone for receiving sealing member1004in order to resist fluid penetration through the passage1018.

Sealing Member

FIGS.30-37show an example of a sealing member1004that may be inserted into the passage1018of slide fastener1002to resist fluid penetration through the passage1018. In this particular example, the sealing member1004includes three components: a connector1020, a sealing body1022, and a sealing body actuator1024.

The connector component1020is shown disassociated from the rest of the sealing member assembly1004inFIGS.34and35. The connector1020is configured to connect the sealing member1004to the slide fastener1002. In the particular example shown inFIGS.34-35, the connector1020includes a resilient hook1026that hooks around an end of the tapes1005of the slide fastener1002. As shown inFIG.35, the resilient hook1026includes a ramped surface1028, a recess1030, and a protrusion1032that engage and receive the retaining box1014and insert pin1016of the slide fastener1002to secure the sealing member1004in place on an end of the slide fattener tapes1006. The connector1020also includes an aperture1034for receiving sealing body actuator1024in a sliding fashion, as discussed in further detail below.

The connector1020shown inFIGS.34and35includes arms1036that connect and anchor the connector1020to the sealing body1022, which may be molded onto the connector1020during manufacture. The sealing body1022may be formed from a soft, deformable material. The sealing body1022may have a base shape in which the sealing body1022is not deformed. As discussed in greater detail below, the sealing body1022may be selectively deformed and expanded from the base shape using the sealing body actuator1024. The sealing body1022is shown disassociated from the rest of sealing member assembly1004inFIG.36. The sealing body1022has outer sidewalls1038that are shaped and otherwise configured to conform to the shape of side seals1012of the slide fastener1002(see, for example,FIGS.40-41discussed further below). The sealing body includes grooved top and bottom surfaces1040configured to receive and conform to the fastening elements1008of the slide fastener1002, and also to provide clearance through which the slider can move. As with the connector1020, the sealing body1022includes an aperture1042for receiving sealing body actuator1024in a sliding fashion.

The sealing body actuator1024is shown disassociated from the rest of the sealing member1004inFIG.37. As shown inFIG.37, the sealing body actuator1024tapers between a thicker end1044and a narrower end1046. When the thicker end1044is moved further into the sealing body1022, the deformable sealing body1022will expand from its base shape to accommodate the thicker end1044. Conversely, when the narrower end1046is moved further into the sealing body1022, the deformable sealing body1022will contract back towards its base shape. It will be appreciated that the deformable sealing body1022may not return completely to its base shape when the narrower end1046is in the sealing body1022. The sealing body actuator1024shown inFIG.37can be connected towards the narrower end1046to a pull, such as the tether325shown inFIG.18. The pull may be used to draw the thicker end1044of the sealing body actuator1024into the sealing body1022, to deform the sealing body1022and cause it to expand. As shown inFIG.37, the sealing body actuator1024includes an aperture1048to which the pull may be connected. As also shown inFIG.37, the sealing body actuator1024includes a grip1050at its thicker end1044, which may be used to draw the thicker end1044of the sealing body actuator1024from the sealing body1022, causing the sealing body1022to contract. The narrower end of actuator1046may also extend beyond the end of the sealing body1022, allowing the actuator1024to be pushed to move the narrower end1046of the actuator1024into the sealing body1022to contract the sealing body1022.

Although not specifically shown in the Figures, the sealing body actuator1024and/or the pull connected to the actuator1024may be sufficiently long such that it extends beyond the end of the passage1018formed by the overlapping ends of the slide fastener1002and/or is otherwise accessible from the outside of the garment or other waterproof construct in which the slide fastener sealing system1000is being used.

Method of Use

The slide fastener sealing system1000ofFIGS.27to41may be used by connecting the sealing member1004to an end of the slide fastener1002, sliding the slide fastener's slider to engage the fastening elements1008and close the slide fastener1002over the top of the sealing member1004, and actuating the sealing body actuator1024to deform sealing body1022such that it expands. Actuating the sealing body actuator1024may conform the sealing body1022to the side seals1012and interiors of the tapes1006, thereby sealing the passage1018to resist fluid penetration therethrough. Actuating the sealing body actuator1024may also conform the sealing body1022to the elements of the slide fastener, which may form a seal with the elements of the slide fastener to resist fluid penetration therethrough.

FIGS.38-41show the sealing member1004installed in the passage1018of the slide fastener1002, such that the sealing body1022of the sealing member1004is adjacent the side seals1012of the slide fastener1002in a sealing zone of the passage1018. Both the sealing body1022and the side seals1012are made of relatively soft, compliant material to facilitate the formation of a fluid-tight seal that plugs the interior of the passage1018. In one example, the sealing body1022includes a 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 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 body1022may include a Shore-A 2 elastomeric material. In one example, the side seals1012include 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

The slide fastener sealing system1000ofFIGS.27to41may be relatively impermeable to penetration by fluids, including liquids and/or gasses. The slide fastener1002itself may be a waterproof zipper such as, for example, the YKK® AQUASEAL® zipper. As described above, the sealing member1004may be used to resist penetration by fluids through a passage1018between overlapping ends of the slide fastener1002that are secured together to form a passage.

For example, the slide fastener sealing system1000may resist fluid penetration at a pressure of at least 1 PSI for 20 seconds. In another example, the slide fastener sealing system1000may resist fluid penetration at a pressure of at least 4 PSI for 20 seconds. In another example, the slide fastener sealing system1000may resist fluid penetration at a pressure of at least 6.5 PSI for 20 seconds. In another example, the slide fastener sealing system1000may resist fluid penetration at a pressure between 1 PSI and 6.5 PSI for 20 seconds. In these examples, the slide fastener sealing system1000is resistant to fluid penetration through the slide fastener1002itself and through the passage1018in which the sealing member1004is positioned.

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).

FIG.42schematically illustrates an example of a hydrostatic pressure testing method. It should be noted thatFIG.42shows 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 inFIG.27, a length of sample such as what is shown inFIG.27may be installed in the testing apparatus ofFIG.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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Illustration 24. The slide fastener of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the slide fastener comprises a separating slide fastener.

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.