Patent Publication Number: US-8528115-B2

Title: Zipper arrangement with foldable pull

Description:
FIELD 
     This application relates to the field of fastening devices, and particularly to zipper arrangements. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Zippers are commonly used to fasten opposing fabric portions. One typical use for zippers is to close two separate fabric portions on the front of a garment such as a coat or jacket. 
     When closing a garment using known zipper arrangements on the front of a garment, the wearer must move a slider to the bottom of the garment and position it immediately above a retaining box. The wearer must then feed a small insertion pin on one side of the zipper through the slider and into the retaining box on the opposite side of the zipper. Once the insertion pin is fed through the slider and has engaged the retainer box, the wearer can pull the slider by gripping a pull tab and pulling the slider upward. The slider brings teeth on opposite sides of the zipper together and forces the teeth into interlocking engagement with each other. 
     The small size of the insertion pin and retaining box often makes it difficult to quickly couple the insertion pin and retaining box. This is especially true when the garment is bulky, such as a winter coat, or when the wearer has impeded contact with the retaining box and the insertion pin because he or she is wearing gloves. Users with mobility limiting medical conditions, such as arthritis, may also have difficulty coupling the insertion pin and the retaining box. Moreover, the relatively remote location of the insertion pin and retaining box at the bottom of the garment may make it difficult for the wearer to see the parts. This is especially true if the parts are somewhat blocked from view by a bulky garment, or if the wearer has poor eyesight. 
     When moving the slider upward to close the garment or downward to open the garment, the user of the zipper arrangement receives some feedback from the feel of the slider moving along the teeth. A smooth, freely moving feel typically indicates that the zipper is functioning properly. A rough, high friction feel may indicate an issue with the zipper. For example, it is not uncommon for a portion of the garment to be snagged within the slider as the slider is moved upward to close the zipper or downward to open the zipper, thus limiting free movement of the slider. The snagging of the garment can be frustrating for the user as well as cause damage to the garment or the zipper. 
     In addition to issues related to zipper coupling and sliding action, zipper comfort is sometimes an issue. In particular, in a garment with a zipper that extends to the collar, the slider may cause discomfort when it is moved to the upmost position in the collar area. Here, the relatively hard slider may rub against the skin on the wearer&#39;s neck and cause discomfort to the wearer. Additionally, when the garment is worn in cold weather, the typically metallic slider will become cold, and simple contact of the metallic slider against the wearer&#39;s skin will result in a cold feeling at the neck of the wearer. 
     In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide zipper arrangements where the components may be more easily accessed and assembled by the wearer. It would also be advantageous to provide a zipper arrangement with improved tactile feel while also reducing the chance of the garment becoming snagged within the slider as the slider is moved up or down. It would also be advantageous to provide a zipper arrangement that provides improved comfort when the slider is moved to various locations on the garment. 
     SUMMARY 
     As disclosed herein, in at least one embodiment a garment with a zipper arrangement includes a collar, a plurality of right zipper elements provided along a front right portion of the garment, and a plurality of left zipper elements provided along the front left portion of the garment. A slider includes a front side, a top side, and a back side. The slider is configured to slide up as far as the collar and bring the plurality of right zipper elements into engagement with the plurality of left zipper elements. The slider is further configured to slide down and disengage the plurality of right zipper elements from the plurality of left zipper elements. A flexible pull member is coupled to the slider. The flexible pull member is designed and dimensioned to extend over the top side of the slider and be releasably coupled to an inner portion of the garment when the slider is at the collar. In at least one embodiment, the inner portion of the garment is an inside portion of the collar. In at least one alternative embodiment, inner portion of the garment is the back side of the slider. Various retention members may be used to releasably couple the pull member to the inner portion of the garment, including a magnet or a hook and loop fastener. 
     In association with the zipper arrangement disclosed herein, a method of closing a garment includes moving a slider in an upward direction on the garment in order to engage a plurality of right zipper elements with a plurality of left zipper elements provided a front of the garment. The method further includes stopping movement of the slider in the upward direction when the slider reaches a collar of the garment before folding the flexible pull member over the upper portion of the slider. Thereafter, the method includes folding a flexible pull member over an upper portion of the slider and releasably coupling the flexible pull member to an inner portion of the garment. 
     The above described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. While it would be desirable to provide a garment with a zipper arrangement that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentioned features or advantages. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a front view of a zipper arrangement provided on a garment with opposing sides of the zipper arrangement coupled such that the garment is closed; 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a slider assembly and an insertion pin assembly of the zipper arrangement of  FIG. 1 , with the slider assembly and insertion pin assembly in an unengaged state; 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the slider assembly and the insertion pin assembly of  FIG. 2  in an engaged state; 
         FIG. 4  shows a front view of a pull tab of the slider assembly of  FIG. 3  in several pivotable positions; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a wearer gripping the slider assembly and the insertion pin assembly of the zipper arrangement of  FIG. 1  in the process of engaging the insertion pin assembly with the slider assembly; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a wheeled zipper arrangement provided on a garment with opposing sides of the zipper arrangement coupled such that the garment is partially closed; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the wheeled zipper arrangement of  FIG. 6  with a pull tab placed in a closed position; 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the wheeled zipper arrangement of  FIG. 6  with the pull tab placed in an open position revealing wheels through arcuate openings provided in a slider; 
         FIG. 9  shows a front view of a wheeled zipper arrangement similar to the zipper arrangement of  FIG. 6  with a pull tab being rotatable with respect to a slider; 
         FIG. 10  shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of the wheeled zipper arrangement of  FIG. 6  with a pull tab placed in an open position revealing wheels through a central window; 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of a garment with a comfort zipper arrangement which extends to top of the garment; 
         FIG. 12  shows a front view of the comfort zipper arrangement of  FIG. 11  with opposing sides of the zipper arrangement coupled such that the garment is partially closed; and 
         FIG. 13  shows a front view of the comfort zipper arrangement of  FIG. 11  with a slider pulled to the top of the garment and folded over the slider. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of zipper arrangements are provided within this disclosure which address limitations of prior art zipper arrangements. Included in these zipper arrangements is a zipper arrangement with an insertion pin assembly aimed at improving the ability of a wearer to bring opposite sides of the zipper arrangement together to begin operating the zipper arrangement. Also included in this disclosure is an embodiment of a zipper arrangement aimed at reducing chances of the garment being snagged by the zipper arrangement while also improving the tactile feel of a slider. This zipper arrangement includes wheels within the slider that urge engagement or disengagement of teeth as the slider is moved along the length of the zipper arrangement. Further included in this disclosure is a zipper arrangement that includes a foldable pull tab for cases where the zipper arrangement extends to the wearer&#39;s neck. 
     Insertion Pin Assembly with a Funnel Opening 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a garment  10  is shown with a zipper arrangement  12  provided on a front portion of the garment  10 . The zipper arrangement  12  includes a right side  14  and a left side  16 . A slider assembly  18  is moveably positioned on the right side  14  of the zipper arrangement  12 . An insertion pin assembly  24  is fixedly coupled to the bottom of the left side  16  of the zipper arrangement. 
     The garment  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  in the form of a jacket including a front right portion  20  and a front left portion  22 . The front right portion  20  and the front left portion  22  are generally separated from each other on the front of the garment  10 , but are configured to be fastened together with the zipper arrangement  12 . When the front right portion  20  and front left portion  22  are separated, a wearer may easily insert his or her arms into the sleeves of the garment  10  and put on the garment  10 . The wearer may then use the zipper arrangement  12  to join the front right portion  20  to the front left portion  22 . While the garment  10  has been shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1  as a jacket, it will be recognized that the garment  10  may take any of various other forms, such as a coat, shirt, pants, or any other garment that may have one or more portions with edges to be releasably coupled together with the zipper arrangement  12 . Additionally, while the zipper arrangement  12  has been shown in the front of the garment in  FIG. 1 , it will be recognized that the zipper arrangement  12  may be provided in any location on the garment  10  where the edges of two garment portions will be releasably coupled together. Moreover, while various embodiments of the zipper arrangement  12  have been shown herein in association with a garment  10 , it will be recognized that the zipper arrangement  12  may be used in association with numerous other articles, including for example, bags, shoes, tents, etc. 
     With continued reference now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the right side  14  of the zipper arrangement  12  is coupled to an edge of the front right portion  20  of the garment  10 , and the left side  16  of the zipper arrangement  12  is coupled to an edge of the front left portion  22  of the garment  10 . The right side  14  includes a tape  40  with zipper elements  44  (which may also be referred to herein as “teeth”) positioned along the length of the tape  40 . Similarly, the left side  16  includes a tape  42  with zipper elements  46  positioned along the length of the tape  42 . The zipper elements  44  on the right side  14  are generally parallel to each other and extend away from the tape  40  toward the left side  16  of the zipper arrangement  12 . Similarly, the zipper elements  46  on the left side  16  are generally parallel to each other and extend away from the tape  42  toward the right side  14  of the zipper arrangement  12 . The zipper elements  44  on the right side  14  are configured to interlock with the zipper elements  46  on the left side  16  when the zipper arrangement  12  is closed by movement of the slider assembly  18  along the teeth  44 , thereby coupling the front right portion  20  of the garment  10  to the front left portion  22  of the garment  10 . 
     A perspective view of a lower portion of the zipper arrangement  12  is shown in  FIG. 2  including the slider assembly  18  and the insertion pin assembly  24 . The slider assembly  18  includes a slider  28  with a pull tab  26  that is pivotably coupled to the slider  28 . The slider  28  is slideably attached to the right side  14  of the zipper arrangement  12 . A retainer box  30  is fixedly coupled to the bottom right side  14  of the zipper arrangement  12  and is configured to provide a stop for the slider  28  at the lower end of the zipper arrangement  12 . 
     The insertion pin assembly  24  is stationary on the left side  16  of the tape  42  and includes a grip member  32  with an insertion pin  38  positioned adjacent the grip member  32 . The insertion pin  38  is an elongated box shaped member that is generally rigid and dimensioned for insertion into the slider  28  and the retainer box  30 . A flexible transition member  34  is provided above the insertion pin  38 . The flexible transition member  34  spans between the insertion pin  38  and the teeth  46  on the left side  16  of the zipper arrangement  12 . A first tooth  36  is provided at the top of the flexible transition member  34 . As described further below, with the slider  28  in contact with the retainer box  30 , the insertion pin  38  is configured to be inserted into the slider  28  and further into the retainer box  30 . Accordingly, when the insertion pin  38  is bottomed out within the retainer box  30 , the first tooth  36  above the flexible transition member  34  is at the top of the slider  28 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the grip member  32  of the insertion pin assembly  24  includes an outer jaw  48  and an inner jaw  50 . The outer jaw  48  and inner jaw  50  form a mouth  54  on the grip member  32 . This mouth  54  is generally open to the slider  28  on the right side  16  of the zipper arrangement  12 , and the insertion pin  38  is positioned within the mouth  54  between the outer jaw  48  and the inner jaw  50 . Additionally, the mouth  54  is dimensioned to receive the slider  28  such that the slider  28  may be inserted at least partially into the mouth  54 . Because the right edges of the outer jaw  48  and inner jaw  50  are flared away from each other, the mouth  54  provides a funnel structure configured to receive the slider  28 . The flared jaws  48  and  50  result in a mouth  54  that is progressively smaller moving from right to left across the grip member  32 . Accordingly, when the slider  28  is moved laterally in the direction of the mouth  54 , the slider  28  may be easily inserted into the mouth  54 , but then contacts the tapered inner surface of the mouth  54 . As described further below, and in reference to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the mouth  54  is configured to initially receive the slider  28 , when the insertion pin  38  is being inserted into the slider  28  and the retainer box  30 . Thereafter, the mouth  54  is designed to allow the slider  28  to pass upward and completely through the mouth  54  as the insertion pin  38  is inserted deeper into the retainer box  30 . 
     A handle portion  52  is provided on the opposite side of the grip member  32  from the mouth  54 . The handle portion  52  includes two generally smooth surfaces on the inner and outer sides of the grip member  32  that provide an inner grip surface and an outer grip surface that may be grasped by the wearer&#39;s fingers and thumb. Accordingly, the handle portion  52  is dimensioned to provide a surface that is sufficiently sized to receive substantially the entire pad of a man&#39;s or woman&#39;s thumb. The flared structure of the outer jaw  48  and inner jaw  50  result in a curved surface on the right side of the handle portion  52  that transitions into a generally flat surface on the left side of the handle portion  52 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the zipper arrangement  12  is shown with the slider  28  seated against the retainer box  30  and the insertion pin  38  bottomed out in the retainer box  30 . A rightmost edge of the outer jaw  48  of the grip member  32  and a rightmost edge of the inner jaw  50  of the grip member  32  are spaced apart and define an opening to the mouth  54 . The opening is larger than thicknesses of the slider  28  or the retainer box  30 . Therefore, the slider  28  can easily be positioned within the opening to the mouth  54 . Due to the curved nature of the outer jaw  48  and the inner jaw  50 , the opening to the mouth  54  decreases when moving toward the left within the mouth  54 . When the slider  28  is moved a distance  56  into the mouth  54 , separation between the outer jaw  48  and the inner jaw  50  is smaller than the thickness of the slider  28  or the retainer box  30 . Therefore, the insertion pin assembly  24  can only receive the slider  28  and the retainer box  30  into the mouth  54  up to the point shown by the distance  56 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a front view of the zipper arrangement  12  is shown with the zipper arrangement  12  partially closing the garment  10 . Like the handle portion  52 , the pull tab  26  is also dimensioned to provide two opposing surfaces that are sufficiently sized to receive substantially all of the pad of a man&#39;s thumb, thus allowing the wearer to easily grasp and manipulate the pull tab  26 . The pull tab  26  is shown in  FIG. 4  in various rotational positions about the slider  28 . Specifically, three positions of the pull tab  26  are shown in  FIG. 4 . The pull tab  26  is configured to rotate according to an arrow  60  from a rightwardly oriented horizontal position to an upwardly oriented vertical position. Similarly, the pull tab  26  can be rotated to a downwardly oriented vertical position from the rightwardly oriented horizontal position according to an arrow  62 . The pull tab  26  can also rotate to a leftwardly oriented horizontal position, however, for clarity of the drawing, this position is not shown. A pin  64  (shown in phantom) couples the pull tab  26  to the slider  28  and allows the pull tab  26  to pivot with respect to the slider  28 . Also, the pull tab  26  may optionally include a frictional member (not shown) positioned on the underside of the pull tab  26  which interfaces with an associated frictional member (not shown) positioned on the slider  28 . These frictional members help retain the pull tab  26  in the positions shown in  FIG. 4  against pull of gravity. 
     Operation of the zipper arrangement  12  is described with reference to  FIG. 5 , which shows a wearer in process of engaging the slider assembly  18  with the insertion pin assembly  24 . During this process, the wearer of the garment  10  grips the slider assembly  18  by gripping the pull tab  26  with the wearer&#39;s right hand. The wearer also grips the grip member  32  of the insertion pin assembly  24  with the wearer&#39;s left hand. Given the size of the pull tab  26  and its predictable position with respect to the slider  28 , the wearer can quickly locate the slider assembly  18  with his or her right hand. Additionally, the outer and inner jaws  48  and  50  of the insertion pin assembly  24  allow the wearer to quickly locate the position of the insertion pin assembly  24  and associated insertion pin  38  with the wearer&#39;s left hand, even if the wearer has impeded visibility or impeded ability to grip the insertion pin assembly  24 . 
     Once the wearer has located the slider assembly  18  and the insertion pin assembly  24 , the wearer can bring the two sides of the zipper arrangement  12  together. As described above, the mouth  54  of the grip member  32  is configured to receive the slider assembly  18  up to a point within the funnel-like opening that is defined by the distance  56  (see  FIG. 3 ). Therefore, the insertion pin assembly  24  is advantageously configured to provide a function to assist in locating the insertion pin  38  within the slider assembly  18 . This function is particularly helpful when the wearer has impeded visibility or impeded ability to grip the slider assembly  18  and the insertion pin assembly  24 . 
     After the wearer brings the slider assembly  18  and the insertion pin assembly  24  together, the wearer can easily align the insertion pin  38  with an opening (not shown) of the slider  28  by adjusting the position of the insertion pin assembly  24  while maintaining pressure between the slider assembly  18  and the insertion pin assembly  24 . Once aligned, the wearer can move the insertion pin assembly  24  downward relative to the slider assembly  18  in order to insert the insertion pin  38  into the slider  28  and then further into the retainer box  30  until the insertion pin  38  bottoms out within the retainer box  30 . In order to close the garment  10 , the wearer can then move the slider  28  along the length of the zipper arrangement  12  to engage teeth  44  and  46  (see  FIG. 4 ) on the right side  14  and the left side  16  of the zipper arrangement  12 . 
     Slider with Wheels 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an alternative embodiment of a zipper arrangement  100  is shown provided on a garment  110 . Similar to the zipper arrangement  12  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the zipper arrangement  100  is provided on front of the garment  10  and includes a right side  114  and a left side  116 . A slider assembly  118  is provided on the right side  114  which is configured to engage with the left side  116  of the zipper arrangement  100 . 
     The garment  110 , similar to the garment  10  of  FIGS. 1-5 , includes a front right portion  120  and a front left portion  122 . The garment  110  may take any of various forms, such as a coat, a shirt, pants, or any other garment that may have one or more portions with edges to be releasably coupled together with the zipper arrangement  100 . Furthermore, while the zipper arrangement  100  has been shown herein in association with a garment  110 , it will be recognized that the zipper arrangement  100  may be used in association with numerous other articles, including for example, bags, shoes, tents, etc. 
     The slider assembly  118  includes a slider  128  having a generally trapezoidal or triangular perimeter shape and an associated pull tab  126  also having a similar trapezoidal or triangular perimeter shape. It will be recognized that the shape of the slider  128  is different from the conventional Y-shaped slider. With conventional Y-shaped sliders, the upper end of the slider is wider and configured to pass the disengaged teeth into and out of the slider, while the lower end is thinner and configured to pass engaged teeth into and out of the slider. In contrast, the slider  128  disclosed herein has a generally inverted arrangement from the typical Y-shaped slider. In particular, the bottom end of the slider  128  is wider than the upper end. Thus, with slider  128  disclosed the end of the slider that is configured to pass engaged teeth into and out of the slider  128  is wider than the end of the slider that is configured to pass disengaged teeth into and out of the slider  128 . 
     The slider  128  has an internal chamber  132  which includes cavities  154  and  156 . Within the cavity  154  is a right wheel  150  that can be viewed through an arcuate window  151 . The right wheel  150  is configured to rotate about a hub  160  within the cavity  154 . Similarly, within the cavity  156  is a left wheel  152  that can be viewed through an arcuate window  153 . The left wheel  152  is configured to rotate about a hub  162  within the cavity  156 . As the slider  128  is moved and teeth  144  and  146  move through the slider  128 , the wheels  150  and  152  make contact with the backsides  170  and  172  of the teeth  144  and  146 . The contact with the backsides  170  and  172  of the teeth  144  and  146  results in a slight pivoting of the teeth  144  and  146  as they are moved into and out of engagement with each other. In particular, when the slider  128  is moved in an engagement direction (i.e., upward in the embodiment of  FIGS. 6-8 ), the engagement of the wheels  150  and  152  with the backsides  170  and  172  of the teeth  144  and  146  cause the teeth  144  and  146  to pivot toward one another and into engagement. Additionally, when the slider  128  is moved in an opposite direction (i.e., downward in the embodiment of  FIGS. 6-8 ) the contact between the wheels  150  and  152  and the backsides  170  and  172  of the teeth  144  and  146  cause the teeth  144  and  146  to pivot away from one another and out of engagement. The engagement of the wheels  150  and  152  with the backsides  170  and  172  of the teeth  144  and  146  not only facilitates engagement and disengagement of the teeth  144  and  146 , but also provides a unique tactile feel for the user. This tactile feel also provides the user with an indication that the zipper arrangement  100  is functioning properly. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , the internal chamber  132  of the slider  128  also includes a right guide  162  and a left guide  164  in an upper portion of the slider. The right guide  162  is adjacent the wheel  150 , while the left guide  164  is adjacent the wheel  152 . The right guide  162  and the left guide  164  are configured to guide the teeth  144  and  146  on opposing sides of the zipper arrangement  100  into engagement with each other as the slider  128  is pulled upward (with respect to  FIG. 7 ). In particular, as the teeth  144  on the right side enter a right opening  166  in the slider  128 , the right guide  162  makes contact with backsides  170  of the teeth  144  and directs the teeth  144  toward the center of the slider  128 , to a position between the wheels  150  and  152 . Similarly, as the teeth  146  on the left side enter a left opening  168  in the slider  128 , the left guide  164  makes contact with backsides  172  of the teeth  146  and direct the teeth  146  toward the center of the slider  128 , to a position between the wheels  150  and  152 . As the opposing teeth  144  and  146  are moved toward the center of the slider  128  and between the wheels  150  and  152 , the teeth  144  and  146  are forced into engagement. Similarly, when the slider  128  is pulled downward, a triangular median member  161  positioned between the right guide  162  and the left guide  164  separates the teeth  144  and  146  as they move out from between the wheels  150  and  152  and toward the right opening  166  and the left opening  168  in the slider  128 . 
     The internal chamber  132  also includes a central opening  169  at the bottom of the slider  128 . The central opening  169  is configured to allow the teeth  144  and  146 , already in an engaged state, to exit the internal chamber  132  as the slider  128  is pull upward as the zipper arrangement  100  is closed. Similarly, the central opening  169  is configured to allow the teeth  144  and  146  to enter the internal chamber  132  as the slider  128  is pulled downward as the zipper arrangement  100  is opened. 
     The pull tab  126  is hingedly attached to a stud  174  which is fixed with respect to the slider  128 . The stud  174  can be integrally formed with the slider  128  or attached to the slider  128  as a separate component. A through hole  180  is formed in the stud  174  which is aligned with complementary partial holes (not shown) in the pull tab  126 . A pin  182  is positioned in the through hole  180  which extends to the complementary partial holes (not shown) in the pull tab  126 . The pin  182  enables the pull tab  126  to pivot with respect to the slider  128  according to an arrow  184 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , additional perspective views of the zipper arrangement  100  are provided. In  FIG. 7 , the pull tab  126  is shown in a closed position with respect to the slider  128 . Because the pull tab  126  has substantially the same trapezoidal or triangular shape as the slider  128 , the pull tab  126  provides a fitted covering for the slider  128  in the closed position. The combination of the pull tab  126  and the slider  128  with substantially the same perimeter shape provides a unique look for the zipper arrangement  100 .  FIG. 8  shows the pull tab  126  rotated upward with respect to the slider  128  in the direction of arrow  184 . Arcuate windows  151  and  153  reveal the wheels  150  and  152 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , a front view of an alternative embodiment of a zipper arrangement  100 ′ similar to the zipper arrangement  100  is shown. The zipper arrangement  100 ′ includes a pull tab  126 ′ and a slider  128 ′. The zipper arrangement  100 ′ of  FIG. 9  is substantially the same as the zipper arrangement  100  of  FIGS. 6-8 , except the pull tab  126 ′ operates differently and is shaped differently. In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the slider  128 ′ includes a stud  174 ′ that extends through an opening  176 ′ of the pull tab  126 ′. The pull tab  126 ′ is pivotably mounted to the slider  128 ′ by a hub  186  which allows the pull tab  126 ′ to swing with respect to the slider  128 ′ according to an arrow  188 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a front view of another zipper embodiment  100 ″ similar to the zipper arrangement  100  is shown. The zipper arrangement  100 ″ includes a pull tab  126 ″ which is configured to cover a slider  128 ″ when the pull tab  126 ″ is in a closed position. The slider  128 ″ includes a central window  151 ″ which reveals two wheels  150 ″ and  152 ″ positioned inside the slider  128 ″. The central window  151 ″ is oblong or oval shaped and sufficiently sized such that it reveals at least part of both wheels  150 ″ and  152 ″. 
     Operation of the zipper arrangements  100  is discussed in the following paragraphs with respect to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 . However, it will be recognized that the same operation applies to the zipper arrangements  100 ′ and  100 ″ (shown in  FIGS. 9 , and  10 ). 
     Closure Operation 
     As a wearer of the garment  110  grips the pull tab  126  and swings the pull tab  126  upward according to the arrow  184 , the wearer of the garment  110  can move the slider  128  upward. As the slider  128  moves upward, the teeth  144  and  146  enter the right opening  166  and the left opening  168  (positioned on opposite sides of the slider  128 ) and into the internal chamber  132 . The backsides  170  of the teeth  144  are guided by the right guide  162  and the backsides  172  of the teeth  146  are guided by the left guide  164 . The right guide  162  and the left guide  164  initiate the engagement of the teeth  144  and  146  as the pull tab  126  is pulled upward. 
     The trapezoidal or triangular shape of the slider  128  and the shape of the right opening  166  and the left opening  168  as well as the interface between the right opening  166  and the teeth  144  and the left opening  168  and the teeth  146  urge fabric of the garment  110  from snagging within the slider  128 . Specifically, the anti-snagging quality is achieved by a tight interface between the backsides  170  and  172  of the teeth  144  and  146  and the right guide  162  and the left guide  164  which reduces the chance of part of the garment  110  being snagged within the slider  128 . 
     Furthermore, the wheels  150  and  152  make firm contact with the backsides  170  and  172  of the teeth  144  and  146 . As the slider  128  is pulled up, the right wheel  150  rotates about the hub  158  in a clockwise direction, while the left wheel  152  rotates about the hub  160  in a counterclockwise direction. The wheels  150  and  152  complete the engagement of the teeth  144  and  146  and urge the engaged teeth  144  and  146  to exit out of the central opening  169  and out of the slider  128 . The wheels  150  and  152  provide a “smooth” feedback to the wearer of the garment  110  as he or she pulls the pull tab  126  upward, which enhances operational feel of the zipper arrangement  100 . 
     Opening Operation 
     The wearer can open the zipper arrangement  100  by pulling down on the pull tab  126 . First the pull tab  126  swings toward the slider  128  about the pin  182 , according to the arrow  184 . Then the wearer can pull the pull tab  126  and the slider  128  downward. The right wheel  150  rotates in a counterclockwise direction about the hub  158 , while the left wheel  152  rotates clockwise about the hub  160 . Due to the firm contacts between the wheels  150  and  152  and the backsides  170  and  172  of the teeth  144  and  146 , rotation of the wheels  150  and  152  urge an initial separation of the teeth  144  and  146 . The right guide  162  and the left guide  164  and the shape of the right opening  166  and left opening  168  cause the teeth  144  and  146  to completely disengage as the slider  128  is pulled downward. 
     Because of the firm contact between the wheels  150  and  152  and the backsides  170  and  172  of the teeth  144  and  146 , as the teeth  144  and  146  enter the central opening  169  chances for part of the fabric of the garment  110  to enter the slider  128  and be snagged within the slider  128  is substantially minimized. 
     Furthermore, similar to the discussion provided above, the wheels  150  and  152  generate a smooth feedback to the wearer as he or she pulls the slider  128  downward. The smooth feedback can provide a feeling of high-quality to the wearer as compared to zipper arrangements of the prior art. 
     Foldable Pull Tab 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 to 13 , a zipper arrangement  200  is shown provided on a garment  210 . Similar to the zipper arrangement  12  (see  FIG. 1 ), the zipper arrangement  200  is provided on front of the garment  210 . A slider assembly  218  is provided which is configured to engage two halves of the zipper arrangement  200  together. 
     The garment  210 , similar to the garment  10  (see  FIG. 1 ), includes a front right portion  220  and a front left portion  222 . The garment  210  also includes a collar  212  at the neck portion of the garment  210 . The front right portion  220  and the front left portion  222  generally extend from the bottom to the top of the garment  210 , and particularly to the collar  212 . The garment  210  may take any of various forms, such as a coat, a shirt, pants, or any other garment that may have one or more portions with edges to be releasably coupled together with the zipper arrangement  200 . Furthermore, while various embodiments of the zipper arrangement  200  have been shown herein in association with a garment  210 , it will be recognized that the zipper arrangement  200  may be used in association with numerous other articles in other embodiments, including for example, bags, shoes, tents, etc. 
     The slider assembly  218  includes a slider  228  with a pull member in the form of pull tab  226  coupled to the slider  228 . The slider  228  includes a front side  230 , a back side (not shown) and a top side  232 . The front side  230  of the slider  228  generally faces the outside of the garment  210 , the back side of the slider  228  generally faces the inside of the garment  210 , and the top side  232  of the slider  228  generally faces the top of the garment (i.e., the top edge of the collar  212 ). 
     A stud  274  or other coupling member is provided on the front side  230  of the slider  228 . The stud  274  extends through a hole  276  near the top end of the pull tab  226  and couples the pull tab  226  to the slider  228 . The hole  276  of the pull tab  226  cooperates with the stud  274  of the slider  228  and allows the pull tab  226  to swivel according to an arrow  288 . 
     The pull tab  226  is comprised of a generally flexible material such as a textile. For example, the pull tab  226  may be comprised of a cotton material, polyester material, blend, or other textile material that humans generally find comfortable against their skin. In other embodiments, the pull tab may be comprised of a flexible polymer material, or any of various other materials known in the art. The pull tab  226  is generally designed and dimensioned to be easily grasped by the fingers of a human. Accordingly, the pull tab  226  has a shape and size that will receive a substantial portion of the pads of a human&#39;s finger and thumb. Moreover, as described in further detail below, the pull tab  226  is sufficiently sized such that it may be pulled up and over the top side  232  of the slider  218  and brought into contact with the back side of the slider  218  or the inside of the collar  212 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the pull tab  226  has a generally oval or egg shape. However, it will be recognized that in other embodiments the pull tab  226  may be differently shaped. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the pull tab  226  includes a first retainer member  290  positioned toward the bottom end of the pull tab  226 . The first retainer member  290  is shown in phantom in  FIG. 12 , and can be provided in any of a number of different embodiments. For example, in at least one embodiment, the first retainer member  290  is provided in the form of a magnet member positioned within the pull tab  226  (e.g., in a pocket in the pull tab) or on the surface of the pull tab  226 . In other exemplary embodiments, the first retainer member  290  may be a snap (not shown) positioned on the surface of the pull tab  226 , a hook and loop fastener member (not shown), or other types of attachment mechanisms well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     A second retainer member (not shown) that is complementary to the first retainer member  290  is provided on the inside of the garment  210 . The first retainer member  290  is configured to be releasably coupled to the second retainer member. For example, if the first retainer member  290  on the pull tab  226  is a magnet, the second retainer member may be a complementary magnetic member positioned on the inside of the collar  212 . In at least one embodiment, the complementary magnetic member is simply the back side of the slider  218 , the slider  218  being comprised of a steel or other magnetic metal material. In at least one alternative embodiment, the first retainer member  290  may be a loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, and the second retainer member may be a hook portion of the hook and loop fastener positioned on the back of the slider  218  or the inside of the collar  212 . In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first retainer member  290  may be the button of a snap, and the second retainer member may be the recess portion of the snap. While a few possible embodiments of the first and second retainer members are disclosed herein, it will be recognized that numerous additional embodiments are possible. 
     Operation of the zipper arrangement  200  is described with reference to  FIG. 13 , which shows a front view of the zipper arrangement  200  with the pull tab  226  pulled to the top of the garment  210  and folded inward. In general the wearer can grip the pull tab  226  and swing the pull tab  226  upward or downward with respect to the slider  228  in order to pull the slider  228  up or down, respectively. Once the wearer pulls the slider  228  to top of the collar  212 , the wearer can fold the pull tab  226  upward over the top side  232  of the slider  228 , and inward between the zipper arrangement  200  and the skin, and particularly to a location on the inside of the collar  212 . 
     Because of the folded position of the pull tab  226  covering the top side  232  of the slider  228 , the pull tab  226  can provide comfort to the wearer against the inside surface of the slider  228  and other components of the zipper arrangement  200 . As discussed previously, the pull tab  226  may be constructed from a soft material that provides the desired comfort. In at least one embodiment, the soft material is a textile, such as a cotton or polyester material. In addition, the pull tab  226 , in its folded position, can insulate the slider  228  from the skin of the wearer which can be particularly important in cold weather where the slider  228  can feel cold to the wearer. 
     The first retainer member  290  can be used to maintain position of the pull tab  226  in its folded arrangement. As discussed above, the first retainer member  290  can be in the form of a magnetic strip that is sown within the pull tab  226  and is thereby configured to magnetically interface with the inside surface of the slider  228 . Alternatively, the first retainer member  290  can be a button (not shown) that can be snapped with a complementary button (not shown) positioned on the inside surface of the slider  228 . Other arrangements for the retainer  290  are also possible, e.g., complementary hook and loop members positioned on the pull tab  226  and the inside surface of the slider  228  or the inside surface of the collar  212 . 
     While the foregoing provides a few alternative embodiments of the zipper arrangements  12 ,  100 , and  200 , it will be recognized that numerous other alternative embodiments for the zipper arrangement are possible, including additional alternative embodiments that relate to the slider  28  and the insertion pin assembly  24 . For example, in one alternative embodiment, the slider  28  and the insertion pin assembly  24  may be formed from magnetic material with complementary poles that can generate a magnetic force to assist in bringing the slider  28  and the insertion pin assembly  24  together. 
     The foregoing example embodiments are but a few of numerous possible embodiments for the zipper arrangement, and it will be recognized that numerous additional embodiments are also possible and the foregoing embodiments should not be considered as limiting in any way. It will also be recognized that there are advantages to certain individual features and functions described herein that may be obtained without incorporating other features and functions described herein. Moreover, it will be recognized that various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different embodiments, systems or applications. Presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the appended claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of any appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.