Patent Publication Number: US-10306955-B2

Title: Zipper fastener system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/236,563, filed Oct. 2, 2015. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a zipper fastener system and, more particularly, to a zipper fastener system having a pair of sliders that open there between. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Typically, a conventional zipper fastener system generally includes a slider, a pull-tab, a first set of teeth, a second set of teeth that engage with the first set of teeth, an insertion pin, and a retainer box positioned adjacent to and receiving the insertion pin. These components are attached to one or more pieces of material, whereby the slider engages the first set of teeth to the second set of teeth. The insertion pin is positioned in the slider and received in the retainer box. The slider is slid away from the retainer box and interlocks the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth. 
     It is known that bags and jackets use two sliders in a zipper fastener system to make for easy retrieval of items in the middle of the zipper fastener system. However, these known systems require specific modification along ends of the known zipper fastener system, such that the ends are tucked and secured by stitching. 
     There is a need for a zipper fastener system having connection sections attached to independent pieces that may be secured to and removed from each other utilizing two sliders, such that, when the connection sections are secured to each other, the two sliders permit an access opening of variable length and location along the connection sections and permit adjustments from either side of the zipper fastener system. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the aforementioned shortcomings, an object of the invention, among others, is to provide a first embodiment of a zipper fastener system having a first tape section with a first retainer box positioned at one end thereof and a second retainer box positioned opposite the first retainer box at another end thereof, a second tape section with a first retainer pin positioned on one end thereof and a second retainer pin positioned opposite the first retention pin at another end thereof. A second embodiment of the invention is a zipper fastener system having a first tape section with a first retainer box positioned at one thereof and a first retainer pin positioned opposite the first retainer box at another end thereof, a second tape section with a second retainer pin positioned on one end thereof and a second retainer box positioned opposite the second retainer pin at another end thereof. For the first and second embodiments of the zipper fastener system, a set of fastener elements extends along a length of each of the first and set tape sections, respectively. For the first and second embodiments of the zipper fastener system, the first tape section and the second tape section (after insertion of the first and second retainer pins into the first and second retainer boxes, respectively) are removeably joined with a first slider connecting the first tape section with the second tape section, and a second slider connecting the first tape section with the second tape section. The first and second sliders are each independently moveable attached to the first tape section and engageable with the first and second retainer pins of the second tape section and with the first and second retainer boxes, respectively. When the connection sections are secured to each other, the two sliders permit an access opening of variable length and location along the connection sections and permit adjustments from either side of the zipper fastener system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a zipper fastener system according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the zipper fastener system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the zipper fastener system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the zipper fastener system of  FIG. 3  along line  4 - 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a close up perspective view of the zipper fastener system according to the invention showing connection between first and second tape sections; 
         FIG. 6  is another perspective view of the zipper fastener system according to the invention before the first and second tape sections are connected; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the zipper fastener system of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the zipper fastener system of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another zipper fastener system according to the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the zipper fastener system of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a left side view of the zipper fastener system of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  a right side view of the zipper fastener system of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the zipper fastener system of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying  FIGS. 1-13 . 
     First, with reference to  FIG. 1 , a zipper fastener system  1  according to the invention is shown. Generally, the zipper fastener system  1  includes a first tape section  10 , a second tape section  20 , a first slider  30 , and a second slider  40 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-13 , the first tape section  10  (having a first end and a second end) includes a first connection section  12 , a first set of fastener elements  14 , a first retainer box  16 , and a first retainer pin  18   b.    
     The first connection section  12  (having a first end  12   a  and a second end  12   b ) is a strip of tape that extends along a length thereof. The first connection section  12  can be attached to a first structure (not shown), such as a garment, textile, or other materials, using stitching, mechanical weld, or adhesive. In particular, the first connection section  12  is attached to the first structure (not shown) along a right side thereof. The second connection section  22  is attached to a second structure (not shown) along a left side thereof and is described in more detail below. Removable attachment of the first structure to the second structure is desirable or advantageous. For instance, in one embodiment of the invention, the first structure may be a sleeping bag, a hammock, or a tent. For instance, the second structure may be a second sleeping bag, a second hammock, a second tent, a net, a tarp, a travel bag, etc. 
     The first set of fastener elements  14  are teeth in the shown embodiment and are positioned along the length of the first connection section  12 . The teeth of the first set of fastener elements  14  are positioned on a left side of the first connection section  12  and are generally parallel to each other. The teeth of the first set of fastener elements  14  extend away from the first connection section  12 , substantially perpendicular to the length of the first connection section  12 . 
     The fastener elements  14  of the zippers are of various types including those of nylon coil, or plastic, metal, or nylon teeth  19 ,  29 . It is understood that “teeth” or “coil” are used interchangeably herein. The teeth collectively form a connection (zipper track). Each tooth  19 ,  29  includes a hollow  19   a ,  29   a  on one face and a hook  19   b ,  29   b  on the opposite face. Each zipper fastener system  1  includes two connection sections (or zipper tracks) of teeth which are latched together by operation of the sliders  30 ,  40 . The sliders  30 ,  40  are independently moved along the two zipper tracks of uniformly sized and shaped teeth  19 ,  29 . Wedge-shaped walls  35 ,  45  internal to the sliders  30 ,  40  respectively direct the two zipper tracks of teeth  19 ,  29  at an angle and into an interlocking relationship with each other. The zipper tracks are offset so that, in sequence, as the slider  30 ,  40  is drawn along the zipper tracks, a hollow  19   a  of one tooth on one zipper track aligns with a hook  29   b  of the tooth on the other zipper track as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 13 . The size of the zipper teeth is on the basis of the use to which the zipper fastener system will be subjected. Use of the zipper fastener system in camping equipment suggests a lightweight #3 gauge nylon coil zipper with a polyester tape and teeth that are water-, abrasion-, and UV-resistant and sliders made of molded plastic or metal, but one of ordinary skill in the art can select the particular material specifications to suit particular conditions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-8 , the first retainer box  16  is a box structure having a first retainer pin receiving cavity  17 . The first retainer pin receiving cavity  17  is sized and shaped to correspond with the second tape section  20  and, more particularly, to receive a second retainer pin  28   b  thereof (which will be described in more detail below). The first retainer box  16  may include a magnet to facilitate assembly with the second tape section  20 . As shown in a first embodiment, the first retainer box  16  is attached to a lower end  10   b  of first connection section  12 . It is attached so as to prevent its separation from the first connection section  12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-8 , the first retainer pin  18   b  includes a first grip member  18   a  positioned adjacent to the first retainer pin  18   b . The first retainer pin  18   b  is an elongated box shaped member that is generally rigid and dimensioned for insertion into the second slider  40  and the second tape section  20  and, more particularly, for insertion into a second retainer box  26  (which will be described in more detail below). A first tooth member  19  may be provided at the top of the first retainer pin  18   b . As shown, the first retainer pin  18   b  is attached to an upper end  10   a  of first connection section  12 . It is attached so as to prevent separation from the first connection section  12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the second tape section  20  (having a first end and a second end) includes a second connection section  22 , a second set of fastener elements  24 , the second retainer box  26 , and a second retainer pin  28   b.    
     The second connection section  22  (having a first end  22   a  and a second end  22   b ) is a strip of tape that extends along a length thereof. The second connection section  22  can be attached to a second structure (not shown), such as a garment, textile, or other materials, using stitching, mechanical weld, or adhesive. In particular, the second connection section  22  is attached to the second structure (not shown) along a left side thereof. The second structure is separate from the first structure. Removable attachment of the first structure to the second structure is desirable or advantageous. For instance, in one embodiment of the invention, the first structure may be a sleeping bag, a hammock, or a tent. For instance, the second structure may be a second sleeping bag, a second hammock, a second tent, a net, a tarp, a travel bag, etc. 
     The second set of fastener elements  24  are teeth in the shown first embodiment and are positioned along the length of the second connection section  22 . The teeth of the second set of fastener elements  24  are positioned on a right side of the second connection section  22  and are generally parallel to each other. The teeth of the second set of fastener elements  24  extend away from the second connection section  22 , substantially perpendicular to the length of the second connection section  22 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , the second retainer box  26  is a box structure having a second retainer pin receiving cavity  27 . The second retainer pin receiving cavity  27  is sized and shaped to correspond with the second tape section  20  and, more particularly, to receive a first retainer pin  28   b  thereof. The second retainer box  26  may include a magnet to facilitate assembly with the second tape section  20 . As shown, the second retainer box  26  is attached to an upper end  20   a  of the second connection section  22 . It is attached so as to prevent separation from the second connection section  22 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , the second retainer pin  28   b  includes a second grip member  28   a  positioned adjacent to the second retainer pin  28   a . The second retainer pin  28   b  is an elongated box shaped member that is generally rigid and dimensioned for insertion into the first slider  30  and the first tape section  10  and, more particularly, for insertion into the first retainer box  16 . A second tooth member  29  may be provided at the top of the second retainer pin  28   b . As shown, the second retainer pin  28   b  is attached to a lower end  20   b  of second connection section  22 . It is attached so as to prevent separation from the second connection section  22 . 
     Now with reference to  FIGS. 9-13 , another embodiment of the invention is described wherein the first and second retainer pins  18   b ,  28   b  are located at opposite ends of the same tape section ( 10  or  20  respectively) and the first and second retainer boxes  16 ,  26  are located at opposite ends of the remaining tape section. More particularly, the first retainer pin  18   b  and the second retainer pin  28   b  are attached to opposite ends of the same tape section. In the shown embodiment, one of the tape sections  10  or  20  includes both the first retainer pin  18   b  with a first grip member  18   a  and the second retainer pin  28   b  and second grip member  28   a  attached to opposite ends (i.e., to the lower end  10   b  and the upper end  10   a  of the first connection section  12  or to the upper end  20   a  and the lower end  20   b  of the second tape section  20 ). In such an embodiment, the remaining tape section that does not include first retainer pin  18   b  with first grip member  18   a  and the second retainer pin  28   b  and second grip member  28   a  instead includes both the first retainer box  16  having a first retainer pin receiving cavity  17  and the second retainer box  26  having a second retainer pin receiving cavity  27  attached to opposite ends (i.e., to the lower end and the upper end) of the remaining tape section. These are attached so as to prevent separation from the respective connection section  12 .  22 . 
     Now with reference to the  FIGS. 1-13 , the first slider  30  will be described. The first slider  30  includes a first slider body  32 , a first outer pull tab  34 , and a first inner pull tab  36 . 
     The first slider body  32  includes a first main body  32   a , a first upper arm  32   b , a first lower arm  32   c , a first outer tab connector  32   d , and a first inner tab connector  32   e . The first main body  32   a  is a vertical wall running a length thereof. The first upper arm  32   b  and the first lower arm  32   c  are wings that protrude laterally from the first slider body  32  with the first main body  32   a  running vertically with respect to the first upper arm  32   b  and the first lower arm  32   c . As a result, the first main body  32   a  divides a receiving space between facing surfaces of the first upper arm  32   b  and the first lower arm  32   c . As a result, the first slider body  32  includes a first fastener element receiving passageway  33   a  running along the length of one side of the first slider body  32 . A second fastener element receiving passageway  33   b  is also provided and runs along the length of another side of the first slider body  32 , which is opposite the first fastener element receiving passageway  33   a . The first outer tab connector  32   d  is a looped structure for fastening or connecting the first outer pull tab  34 . The first outer tab connector  32   d  is positioned on the outer wall of the first upper arm  32   b . Likewise, the first inner tab connector  32   e  is also a looped structure for fastening or connecting the first inner pull tab  36 . The first inner tab connector  32   e  is positioned on the outer wall of the first lower arm  32   c . The first outer pull tab  34  and the first inner pull tab  36  are connected and movable with the first outer tab connector  32   d  and the first inner tab connector  32   e , respectively. 
     In the shown embodiment, the first slider  30  is movably positioned adjacent to first retainer box  16  and is mounted on the first tape section  10 , although it is free to move along the length thereof except as described below with reference to the second slider  40 . 
     Now with reference to the  FIGS. 1-13 , the second slider  40  will be described. The second slider  40  includes a second slider body  42 , a second outer pull tab  44 , and a second inner pull tab  46 . 
     The second slider body  42  includes a second main body  42   a , a second upper arm  42   b , a second lower arm  42   c , a second outer tab connector  42   d , and a second inner tab connector  42   e . The second main body  42   a  is a vertical wall running a length thereof. The second upper arm  42   b  and the second lower arm  42   c  are wings that protrude laterally from the second slider body  42  with the second main body  42   a  running vertically with respect to the second upper arm  42   b  and the second lower arm  42   c . As a result, the second main body  42   a  divides a receiving space between facing surfaces of the second upper arm  42   b  and the second lower arm  42   c . As a result, the second slider body  42  includes a second fastener element receiving passageway  43   a  running along the length of one side of the second slider body  42 . A first fastener element receiving passageway  43   b  is also provided and runs along the length of another side of the second slider body  42 , which is opposite the second fastener element receiving passageway  43   a.    
     The second outer tab connector  42   d  is a looped structure for fastening or connecting the second outer pull tab  44 . The second outer tab connector  42   d  is positioned on the outer wall of the second upper arm  42   b . Likewise, the second inner tab connector  42   e  is also looped structure for fastening or connecting the second inner pull tab  46 . The second inner tab connector  42   e  is positioned on the outer wall of the second lower arm  42   c . The second outer pull tab  44  and the second inner pull tab  46  are connected and movable with the second outer tab connector  42   d  and the second inner tab connector  42   e , respectively. 
     In the shown first embodiment of  FIGS. 6-8 , the second slider  40  is movably attached adjacent to the second retainer box  26  and is mounted on the second tape section  20 , although it is free to move along the length thereof. 
     Now with reference to  FIGS. 9-13 , another embodiment of the invention is described wherein the first and second sliders  30 ,  40  are movably attached adjacent to first and second retainer boxes  16 ,  26  respectively and located at opposite ends of the same tape section ( 10  or  20 ). First and second sliders  30 ,  40  are mounted on the same tape section, although each slider is free to move along the length thereof to the point of meeting the remaining slider. They are mounted so as to prevent separation from the connection section on which they are mounted. 
     More particularly in such another embodiment, the first slider  30  and the second slider  40  are mounted on the same tape section. The first slider  30  is movably attached adjacent to the first retainer box  16  and either the first retainer pin  18   b  or the second retainer pin  28   b  is positioned through first slider  30  and into the first retainer box  16 . Likewise, in this embodiment, the second slider  40  is movably attached adjacent to the second retainer box  26  and the remaining retainer pin (either  28   b  or  18   b  respectively) is positioned through second slider  40  and into the second retainer box  26 . They are mounted so as to prevent separation from the tape section. 
     Now with reference to the Figures, assembly and use of the zipper fastener system  1  according to the shown embodiments of the invention will be described. 
     The first connection section  12  is attached to a first structure (not shown), while the second connection section  22  is attached to a second structure (not shown). 
     In the first shown embodiment, in  FIGS. 1-8 , the first slider  30  is movably attached to first retainer box  16  and the second retainer pin  28   b  is positioned through first slider  30  and into the first retainer box  16 . Likewise, in the shown first embodiment, the second slider  40  is movably attached to the second retainer box  26  and the first retainer pin  18   b  is positioned through second slider  40  and into the second retainer box  26 . 
     The first slider  30  moves along the first tape section  10  such that the first set of fastener elements  14  engages and connects with the second set of fastener elements  24 . Likewise, the second slider  40  moves along the second tape section  20  such that the second set of fastener elements  24  engages and connects with the first set of fastener elements  14 . Accordingly, the first tape section  10  and second tape section  20  can be connected together and secured, or can be removed and separated from each other. 
     Likewise, in other shown embodiment,  FIGS. 8-13 , wherein the first and second retainer pins  18 ,  28  are located at opposite ends of the same tape section,  10  or  20 , respectively, the first slider  30  is movably placed adjacent to the first retainer box  16  and the second retainer pin  28   b  is positioned through first slider  30  and into the first retainer box  16 . As well, in this shown embodiment, the second slider  40  is movably placed adjacent to the second retainer box  26  and the first retainer pin  18   b  is positioned through second slider  40  and into the second retainer box  26 . 
     After the first retainer pin  18   b  is positioned into the first retainer box  16  as described above, the first slider  30  moves along the first tape section  10  such that the first set of fastener elements  14  engages and connects with the second set of fastener elements  24 . Likewise, after the second retainer pin  28   b  is positioned into the second retainer box  26  as described above, the second slider  40  moves along the first tape section  10  such that the second set of fastener elements  24  engages and connects with the first set of fastener elements  14 . The first slider and second slider are independently moved by means of the inner or outer pull tabs along the first and second tape sections. Accordingly, the first tape section  10  and second tape section  20  can be connected together and secured, or can be removed and separated from each other. 
     Regardless of whether invention is operated having the first and second retainer pins  18   b ,  28   b  and the corresponding first and second retainer box  16 ,  26  located on the same tape sections, or in the alternative, wherein the first and second retainer pins  18   b ,  28   b  and the corresponding first and second retainer box  16 ,  26  are located on different tape sections, the first slider  30  and the second slider  40  can be movably positioned to engage and connect the first set of fastener elements  14  with the second set of fastener elements  24 . The first slider  30  and the second slider  40  may be so positioned on first tape section  10  and second tape section  20  such that, as between the first set of fastener elements  14  and the second set of fastener elements  24 , there is a passageway which can be varied in length in position along the first and second tape sections  10 ,  20 . Alternatively, the first slider  30  and the second slider  40  may be so positioned adjacent to each other along the first and second tape sections  10 ,  20  such that there is no open passageway. The inner and outer pulls allow positioning of the sliders independently along the first and second tape sections as desired by the user from either outside the joined first and second structures or from within the joined first and second structures. 
     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the described embodiments are illustrative, and that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.