Patent Publication Number: US-11033081-B2

Title: Method of sealing a zipper closure and a sealed zipper assembly

Description:
This application is a Continuation In Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/300,209 filed Nov. 9, 2018. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     There is described a method of sealing a zipper closure and a sealed zipper assembly that can be used in applications involving liquids or potentially harmful gases. 
     BACKGROUND 
     EP Patent specification 1,481,601 (Kallionpaa) titled “Closure for zipper ends”, discloses a sealing Mechanism for a zipper closure. However, the sealing mechanism taught by the Kallionpaa reference is not ideal. The sealing mechanism is complicated to use and the material around the sealing mechanism tends to become fatigued, eventually leading to failure. The bulk of the sealing mechanism is uncomfortable to wear in some applications. There is, therefore, a need for an alternative method of sealing a zipper closure and an alternative sealed zipper assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect there is provided a method of sealing a zipper closure. The method involves providing a first waterproof element and a second waterproof element. At least one of the first waterproof element or the second waterproof element is a waterproof interlocking zipper fastener. The waterproof interlocking zipper fastener has a first series of interlocking teeth, a second series of interlocking teeth and at least one slide that slides in a first direction to bring the first series of interlocking teeth and the second series of interlocking teeth into engagement and slides in a second direction to disengage the first series of interlocking teeth and the second series of interlocking teeth. The first waterproof element and the second waterproof element are placed in overlapping engagement to define a sealing zone. One or more sealing elements are placed between the first waterproof element and the second waterproof element in the sealing zone to prevent leakage between the first waterproof element and the second waterproof element when the first series of interlocking teeth and the second series of interlocking teeth of the waterproof interlocking zipper fastener are brought into engagement. 
     There is described how this teaching can be used to create a seal by using a first zipper segment as the first waterproof element and a second zipper segment as the second waterproof element. There is also described how this teaching can be adapted for a linear zipper by having a sealing zone base as the first waterproof element and a waterproof interlocking zipper fastener as the second waterproof element. 
     According to another aspect there is provided a sealable zipper closure, that includes a first waterproof element and a second waterproof element. At least one of the first waterproof element or the second waterproof element are a waterproof interlocking zipper fastener. The waterproof interlocking zipper fastener has a first series of interlocking teeth, a second series of interlocking teeth and at least one slide that slides in a first direction to bring the first series of interlocking teeth and the second series of interlocking teeth into engagement and slides in a second direction to disengage the first series of interlocking teeth and the second series of interlocking teeth. The first waterproof element and the second waterproof element are positioned in overlapping engagement to define a sealing zone. One or more sealing elements are positioned between the first waterproof element and the second waterproof element in the sealing zone to prevent leakage between the first waterproof element and the second waterproof element when the first series of interlocking teeth and the second series of interlocking teeth of the waterproof interlocking zipper fastener are brought into engagement. 
     As described above, the sealable zipper closure can be created by overlapping zipper segments or, for a linear zipper configuration, by using a sealing zone base as the first waterproof element. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be in any way limiting, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of sealed zipper assembly in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the first embodiment of sealed zipper assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the first embodiment of sealed zipper assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in a slider starting position. 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the first embodiment of sealed zipper assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in a slider closing position. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear elevation view of the first embodiment of sealed zipper assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in a closed position. 
         FIG. 6  is a section view of the first embodiment of sealed zipper assembly taken along section lines A-A of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the first embodiment of sealed zipper assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of the first embodiment of sealed zipper assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in an open position with a sealing element. 
         FIG. 9  is a section view of the first embodiment of sealed zipper assembly taken along section lines B-B of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the first embodiment of sealed zipper assembly illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a sealing element illustrated in  FIG. 9   
         FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of sealed zipper assembly in an open position. 
         FIG. 13  is a section view of the second embodiment of sealed zipper assembly taken along section lines C-C of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the second embodiment of sealed zipper assembly illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of a sealing element illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is a section view of a third embodiment of sealed zipper assembly. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a sealing element illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of a fourth embodiment of sealed zipper assembly in a closed position, prior to sealing. 
         FIG. 19  is a front elevation view of the fourth embodiment of sealed zipper assembly illustrated in  FIG. 18 , with sealing element inserted into the sealing zone. 
         FIG. 20  is a section view of a fifth embodiment of sealed zipper assembly. 
         FIG. 21  is a section view of a sixth embodiment of sealed zipper assembly. 
         FIG. 22  is a top plan view of a seventh embodiment of sealed zipper assembly. 
         FIG. 23  is a top plan view of an eighth embodiment of sealed zipper assembly. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an alternative sealing element having an air transfer tube. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an inflatable sealing element. 
         FIG. 26  is a front elevation view of an alternative sealing element that is compressible in a lengthwise direction. 
         FIG. 27  is a front elevation view of a linear zipper assembly, in an open position. 
         FIG. 28  is a front elevation view of the linear zipper assembly of  FIG. 27 , in a closed position. 
         FIG. 29  is a front elevation view of the linear zipper assembly of  FIG. 28 , incorporated into a waterproof garment. 
         FIG. 30  is a front elevation view of the linear zipper assembly of  FIG. 27 , with the addition of a sealing element positioned on a sealing zone base. 
         FIG. 31  is a rear elevation view of the linear zipper assembly of  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the sealing element positioned on a sealing zone base of  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 33  is a section view taken along section lines D-D of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 34  is a section view taken along section lines E-E of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 35  is a section view taken along section lines F-F of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 36  is a front elevation view of the linear zipper assembly of  FIG. 27 , with the addition of dual sealing elements each sealing element positioned on a sealing zone base. 
         FIG. 37  is a rear elevation view of the linear zipper assembly of  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 38  is a section view taken along section lines G-G of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 39  is a front elevation view of the linear zipper assembly of  FIG. 27 , with the addition of dual sealing elements positioned on a common sealing zone base. 
         FIG. 40  is a rear elevation view of the linear zipper assembly of  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 41  is a section view taken along section lines H-H of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the dual sealing elements positioned on the common sealing zone base of  FIG. 41 . 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of one manner of mounting sealing elements to a sealing zone base. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A first embodiment of sealed zipper assembly with overlapping zipper segments will now be described with reference to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 11 . Embodiment variations with overlapping zipper segments will be described with reference to  FIG. 12  through  FIG. 26 . 
     Embodiment variations with linear zipper assemblies will then be described with reference to  FIG. 27  through  FIG. 43 . 
     Structure and Relationship of Parts: 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , first embodiment  10  of sealed zipper assembly 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 first embodiment  10  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 embodiment variations there can be more than one interlocking zipper fastener and more than one sealing zone. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 8 , interlocking zipper fastener  24  having 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. 
     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. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , slider  34  is used to 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. 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. 8 , 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: 
     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 .  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: 
     There will hereinafter be described variations that may be made to the first embodiment. With each variation, elements that are identical to the first embodiment will be identified by identical reference numerals. Only those aspects that differ from the first embodiment will be described. 
     The first embodiment illustrated 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 . 
     In the first embodiment, 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 . 
     In the first embodiment, 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. 
     In the first embodiment, 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 . 
     In the first embodiment, 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. 
     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 . 
     In the first embodiment, 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 . 
     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. 
     Advantages: 
     The method of sealing a zipper closure and the sealed zipper assemblies described above provide a number of advantages: 
     1. It is relatively simple to use, when compared with the Kallionpaa reference. 
     2. It is less expensive to manufacture, when compared with the Kallionpaa reference. 
     3. It has less bulk and is more comfortable to wear, when compared with the Kallionpaa reference. 
     4. It has greater flex and is less subject to material fatigue, when compared with the Kallionpaa reference. 
     5. It will work with any most, if not all, brands and styles of dry zipper. 
     6. It has a degree of adjustability to fit difference circumferences by increasing or decreasing the amount of overlap, whereas the Kallionpaa reference is an endless loop that must be made to a specific circumference. 
     7. If air transfer is desired, an air transfer tube can be positioned through the sealing element to avoid making extra holes in garment  40  to accommodate air transfer valves. 
     Cautionary Warnings: 
     It will be appreciated that not all zippers can function in a liquid environment. In order to avoid leakage, one has to use a waterproof zipper. It will also be appreciated that there are a number of different styles of waterproof zippers. Suitable waterproof zippers will be known to persons familiar with underwater diving and will, therefore, not be listed here. 
     In order for the sealing elements described above to be effective, there are a number of leakage points along stitches and seams that must be effectively sealed. 
     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 . 
     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. 
     Linear Zipper Assemblies 
     Having successfully created an effective sealed zipper assembly using overlapping zipper segments, a challenge remained as to how to seal linear zipper assemblies. There are only a limited number of applications in which zipper assemblies overlap. However, there are numerous applications in which it is desirable for a waterproof garment to have a linear zipper assembly that is sealed. 
     It was reasoned that in the circular application the first zipper segment provided a first waterproof element and the second zipper segment provided a second waterproof element. A sealing zone was created by placing the first waterproof element and the second waterproof element in overlapping engagement. One or more sealing elements could then be positioned in the sealing zone to prevent leakage between the first waterproof element and the second waterproof element. 
     The question then arose as to whether one of the zipper segments could be replaced by a different form of waterproof element. Experiments were conducted using a sealing zone base as the first waterproof element. This experiment was successful. It was determined that correct seal positioning could best be maintained by mounting one or more sealing elements to the sealing zone base. Where more than one sealing zone was desired, it was determined that this could be created by having more than one sealing zone base positioned in spaced relation with one or more sealing element mounted on each sealing zone base. 
     The sealing zone base can take a number of forms. It can be a sheet of waterproof material. It can be a molded component with a sealing element built it. It can be a molded component with a sealing element secured to it. It can be anything that, when combined with a sealing element is capable of making a seal to prevent water entry. 
     There follows a figure by figure description of the practical application of these teachings. 
       FIG. 27  is a front elevation view of a one end closed dry zipper  62  in an open position. One end closed dry zipper  62  has a closed end termination  68  that is waterproof, interlocking teeth  64  disposed along band  72 , a first open end  74  of band  72  and a second open end  76  of band  72 , a slider  70  and interlocked teeth  66  that exist between the slider  70  and closed end termination  68 . 
       FIG. 28  is a front elevation view of a one end closed dry zipper  62  in a closed position. Slider  70  is pulled so that first open end  74  of band  72  and a second open end  76  of band  72  are drawn together and there are interlocked teeth  66  that exist between the slider  70  and closed end termination  68 . 
       FIG. 29  is a front elevation view of a one end closed dry zipper  62 , attached to an opening in waterproof fabric  80  by stitching  78 , in a closed position. First open end  74  of band  72  and a second open end  76  of band  72  are drawn together by slider  70  leaving a non-waterproof opening  82 . Interlocked teeth  66  between the slider  70  and closed end termination  68  are waterproof. 
       FIG. 30  is a front elevation view of a one end closed dry zipper  62 , attached to an opening in waterproof fabric  80  by stitching  78 , in a semi closed position. Under open end  74  of band  72  and a second open end  76  of band  72  is the first embodiment  760  of the invention that consists of a sealing element  86  that is held in place by sealing zone base  84 , in the form a waterproof sealing zone base. 
       FIG. 31  is a rear elevation view of a one end closed dry zipper  62 , attached to an opening in waterproof fabric  80 , in a closed position with the sealing zone base  84  at the end opposite to the closed end termination  68 . Waterproof tape  88  seals the band  72 , of the one end closed dry zipper  62 , and the sealing zone base  84  to the opening in the waterproof fabric  80 . 
       FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the first embodiment  760  showing the sealing element  86  mounted to the sealing zone base  84  thus creating a waterproof connection between them. 
       FIG. 33  is a section view taken along line D-D of  FIG. 31  showing how the band  72 , of a one end closed dry zipper  62 , interlocked teeth  66  and sealing zone base  84  are joined together forming a sealing zone  90 , which is connected to waterproof fabric  80  by stitching  78 , and made waterproof by sealing with waterproof tape  88 . 
       FIG. 34  is a section view taken along line E-E of  FIG. 31  showing how the sealing zone  90  is sealed in a waterproof manner by sealing element  86  that binds against bands  72  and interlocking teeth  66  of the one end closed dry zipper  62 . 
       FIG. 35  is a section view taken along line F-F of  FIG. 31  showing the one end closed dry zipper  62  in a closed position and how, at the end opposite to the closed end termination  68 , the sealing zone  90  is sealed in a waterproof manner by sealing element  86 , that binds against interlocking teeth  66  of the one end closed dry zipper  62 , and the sealing element  86  is held in place by sealing zone base  84  that is connected to the waterproof fabric  80  and band  72  and made waterproof by sealing with waterproof tape  88 . 
       FIG. 36  is a front elevation view of a both ends open dry zipper  98 , attached to an opening in waterproof fabric  80  by stitching  78 , in an open position showing how first embodiment  760 , consisting of sealing element  86  mounted to the sealing zone base  84 , can be used at both ends of a both ends open dry zipper  98  to allow for a waterproof seal. 
       FIG. 37  is a rear elevation view of a both ends open dry zipper  98 , attached to an opening in waterproof fabric  80 , in a closed position with sealing zone bases  84  at either end. Waterproof tape  88  seals the bands  72 , of the both ends open dry zipper  98 , and the sealing zone bases  84  to the opening in the waterproof fabric  80 . 
       FIG. 38  is a section view taken along line G-G of  FIG. 37  showing the both end open dry zipper  98  in a closed position and how the sealing zones  90  are sealed in a waterproof manner, by sealing elements  86  that bind against interlocking teeth  66 , at either end of the both ends open dry zipper  98  and the sealing elements  86  are held in place by sealing zone bases  84  that are connected to the waterproof fabric  80  and bands  72  and made waterproof by sealing with waterproof tape  88 . 
       FIG. 39  is a front elevation view of a both ends closed dry zipper  100  with two sliders  70  in a partial opened position, attached to an opening in waterproof fabric  80  by stitching  78 , showing how the second embodiment  892  can be used to make a waterproof seal where the two sliders  70  meet. Second embodiment  892  consists of two sealing elements  96  that are held in place by a sealing zone base  94 . 
       FIG. 40  is a rear elevation view of a both ends closed dry zipper  100 , attached to an opening in waterproof fabric  80 , in a closed position with a sealing zone base  94  positioned where the two sliders  70  meet. Waterproof tape  88  seals the bands  72 , of the both ends closed dry zipper  100 , and the sealing zone base  94  to the opening in the waterproof fabric  80 . 
       FIG. 41  is a section view taken along line H-H of  FIG. 40  showing the both end closed dry zipper  100  in a closed position and how the sealing zones  90  are sealed in a waterproof manner, by sealing elements  96  that bind against interlocking teeth  66 , where the two sliders  70  meet and the sealing elements  96  are held in place by the sealing zone base  94 . 
       FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the second embodiment  892  showing the sealing elements  96  mounted to the sealing zone base  94  thus creating a waterproof connection between them. 
       FIG. 43  is a perspective view showing an alternative construction where the sealing element  108  can be a separate piece that connects to an area  106  on a separate sealing zone base  104 . 
     Advantages to Above Described the Linear Zipper Assemblies 
     The length of a linear dry zipper can be easily adjusted and still be fully waterproof. Existing dry zippers that are closed on both ends only come in set sizes, other sizes must be custom ordered which has high MOQ and cost. It is relatively easy to close the dry zipper and get a waterproof seal. Existing dry zippers that are closed on both ends require the slider to be docked into a fitting at the end of the dry zipper and if the slider isn&#39;t fully docked then it will leak. There&#39;s a tactile feeling of the slider going over the sealing element so it&#39;s easy to tell if the dry zipper is waterproof when closing. The cost to manufacture is lower than existing both ends closed dry zippers. The method will work with any type of dry zipper (brass, plastic, zip lock, teeth, coil etc.). The sealing method is less damaging to the zipper as it&#39;s a flexible seal rather than a hard seal. The sealing method allows zippers of otherwise good quality that have poor quality sealed ends to be sealed properly. The sealing method can be used with one end closed dry zippers, both ends closed dry zippers, both ends open dry zipper, dry zippers that have been cut to length (sold on a roll). There can be multiple zones along a zipper that can open or close. 
     There are various aspects and refinements that can be made in the construction of the sealed zipper assembly. The sealing zone base can be connected to the dry zipper by the stitching that holds the zipper to the waterproof material and then these stitches sealed with waterproof tape. The sealing zone base can be welded to the dry zipper. The sealing element can be moulded directly onto the sealing zone base. The sealing element can be mechanically joined to the sealing zone base, so that the sealing elements are replaceable. The sealing element can be glued with adhesive to the sealing zone base. There are a variety of materials that can be used for the sealing element, such as flexible rubbers, plastics, and polymers. External ridges or textures can be placed on the sealing element to aid in sealing. 
     In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements. 
     The illustrated embodiments have been set forth only as examples and should not be taken as limiting a purposive interpretation of the claims.