Patent Description:
By way of background, slide fastener assemblies may include a slide fastener and two sets of coupling elements, such as rails or zipper teeth that are coupled or decoupled when the slide fastener traverses coupling elements of both sets. To perform this function, the slide fastener is required to be mounted on both sets of coupling elements. Some types of slide fasteners assemblies, such as those that may be completely unfastened, include a slide fastener that is permanently mounted to one set of coupling elements and manually mounted to or demounted from the other set of coupling elements by a user.

In some instances, manually mounting a slide fastener to a set of coupling elements may be difficult as it requires a user to grip and move both the slide fastener and the set of coupling elements. For instance, the user may be required to steadily hold the slide fastener and a first set of coupling elements to which the slide fastener is permanently mounted while simultaneously guiding an end of a second set of coupling elements into a throat of the slide fastener. These manual operations usually involve both of the user's hands and can be challenging to perform, especially for those with limited hand mobility.

<CIT>, which discloses the preamble of claim <NUM>, describes a separable bottom end stop which can be attached and detached not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction when the separable bottom end stop is opened, and in which an insertion member can be removed by inertia when a slider is pulled down.

The claimed invention is defined in independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>. Particular embodiments of the claimed invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, wherein the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. Moreover, although the terms "step" and/or "block" might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

Slide fastener assemblies are used to releasably fasten two sets of coupling elements and may be incorporated into releasable fastening systems of articles of apparel. Such releasable fastening systems may be used in articles to releasably fasten two portions to one another and/or may be utilized in connection with various features and aspects of articles including, but not limited to, pockets, vents, collars, sleeves, openings (e.g., arm, pant leg, torso, neck or waist), donning, removal, comfort, fit, securement, and the like. In some cases, releasable fastening systems are fully releasable such that two portions of the article can be completely separated from one another, which, for instance, allows for easier donning and doffing of the article. Such releasable fastening systems typically include slide fastener assemblies with a slide fastener that is permanently mounted to, for example, a first set of coupling elements and is removably mounted (i.e., may be mounted and demounted) to a second set of coupling elements. However, mounting and demounting the slide fastener often requires manual operations to be performed by a user, which may involve gripping and positioning or aligning the slide fastener and the two sets of coupling elements. These manual operations are more easily performed by both of a user's hands but may nevertheless be challenging, especially when performed by a user that has limited mobility in his or her hands or arms.

Aspects herein provide a releasable coupling device for a slide fastener assembly that is configured to modify manual operations related to mounting a slide fastener to a set of coupling elements in a manner that is more easily performed by a user, which may include children, people with a handicap or disability, and/or users with limited mobility in, for instance, their hands or arms. At a high level, the releasable coupling device includes a first housing structure having a temporary magnet and a second housing structure having a permanent magnet. The first and second housing structures are configured to be releasably coupled such that the first and second housing structures may be coupled when positioned within a coupling distance (e.g., moving the first and second housing structures toward one another) and may be uncoupled when repositioned beyond the coupling distance (e.g., moving the first and second housing structures away from one another to a position in which the first and second housing structures are separated by a distance greater than the coupling distance). In one aspect, the temporary magnet is configured to be demagnetized at a distance that is greater than the coupling distance, which may afford functional advantages to an article of apparel that includes the releasable coupling device. For example, use of the temporary magnet may prevent inadvertent coupling of the first and second housing structures when a wearer desires to maintain the article of apparel in an open state.

Other aspects herein provide that the first and second housing structures are configured such that the releasable coupling device may be incorporated with a slide fastener assembly including two slider tapes, each of which have a set of coupling elements. In such aspects, the first housing structure is attached to a first slider tape that includes a first set of coupling elements and the second housing structure is attached to a second slider tape that includes a second set of coupling elements. Because of these attachments, the first and second slider tapes and in turn, the first and second sets of coupling elements are adjacently positioned when the first and second housing structures are coupled.

Further aspects herein provide a method for manufacturing a releasable coupling device. In these aspects, the method includes a first step of positioning a temporary magnet having a spherical shape in a first housing structure that includes an encircling structure that encircles a portion of the temporary magnet such that a first surface of the temporary magnet is exposed. The method further includes a second step of positioning a permanent magnet in a second housing structure that includes a receiving receptacle adapted to receive the first housing structure such that the permanent magnet is in near contact with the first surface of the temporary magnet.

Aspects herein also contemplate that the temporary magnet is configured to temporarily exhibit magnetic properties. Such aspects contemplate that magnetic properties of the temporary magnet may be afforded by respective features of the temporary magnet (e.g., size, shape, material composition, or combinations thereof) and/or external conditions (e.g., exposure to a magnetic field, enclosure by a housing, or combinations thereof). In example aspects, the temporary magnet has a spherical shape and includes at least one material that becomes magnetized when exposed to a magnetic field and becomes demagnetized when no longer exposed to the magnetic field. Materials that may be included in and/or used to at least partially form the temporary magnet include but are not limited to iron, steel, carbon, aluminum, nickel, cobalt, manganese, silicon, or combinations thereof. In an example aspect, the temporary magnet may be formed of carbon steel.

Other aspects herein contemplate that the permanent magnet is configured to permanently exhibit magnetic properties. These aspects contemplate that magnetic properties of the permanent magnet may be afforded by respective features of the temporary magnet (e.g., size, shape, material composition, or combinations thereof) and may be altered or modified by external conditions, such as a manner in which the permanent magnet is enclosed by a housing. In example aspects, the permanent magnet has a cylindroid shape with one or more planar surfaces and includes at least one material that is magnetized and has a constant magnetic field. Examples of materials that may be included in and/or used to at least partially form the permanent magnet include but are not limited to neodymium alloy, iron, boron, or combinations thereof. Related aspects contemplate that the permanent magnet may be a "neodymium magnet," which may also be referred to as a "rare earth magnet.

Further aspects herein contemplate that a coupling and uncoupling of the first and second housing structures is, at least in part, attributable to the temporary magnet, the permanent magnets, and features thereof. Such aspects contemplate that the temporary magnet becomes magnetized and magnetically attracted to the permanent magnet when the temporary magnet is within a magnetic field of the permanent magnet and further contemplate that the temporary magnet becomes demagnetized and not magnetically attracted to the permanent magnet when the temporary magnet is beyond the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. In example aspects, a magnetic attraction between the temporary magnet and permanent magnet may guide a coupling of the first and second housing structures.

Unlike magnetic attractions between two permanent magnets that easily self-center due to their strong magnetic fields, it has traditionally been a challenge to self-center a magnetic attraction between a temporary magnet and a permanent magnet. In part, this is due to the temporary magnet exhibiting a weak magnetic field when brought into close proximity with the permanent magnet. Aspects herein provide that the temporary magnet and the permanent magnet are configured to magnetically attract in a self-centering manner, or stated another way, when the temporary magnet and the permanent magnet are magnetically attracted, the temporary magnet and the permanent magnet are concentrically aligned. In an example aspect, the temporary magnet has a spherical shape that is concentric with a cylindrical shape of the permanent magnet when the temporary magnet is magnetically attracted to the permeant magnet. Staying with this example aspect, the concentric alignment of the spherical shape of the temporary magnet with the cylindrical shape of the permanent magnet, at least in part, aids in and/or guides a coupling of the first housing structure with the second housing structure when the temporary magnet is magnetically attracted to the permanent magnet.

As used herein, the term "article of apparel" encompasses any number of products meant to be worn by a user including upper-body garments (e.g., shirts, jackets, hoodies, pullovers), lower-body garments (e.g., pants, shorts, leggings), articles of footwear such as shoes or socks, articles of headwear (e.g., hats), gloves, sleeves (e.g., arm sleeves, calf sleeves), and the like. Positional terms used when describing the article of apparel such as front, back, inner-facing surface, outer-facing surface, upper, lower, proximal, distal, medial, lateral, and the like are with respect to the article of apparel being worn as intended with the user standing upright.

In addition, positional terms used when describing the releasable coupling device such as front side, rear side, left side, right side, top, bottom, lower, upper, lower most, uppermost, inferior, superior, frontward, rearward, and the like are with respect to the releasable coupling device positioned on a flat vertical plane, parallel to a y-axis with the first housing structure poisoned more leftward than the second housing structure when viewing the releasable coupling device (e.g., the releasable coupling device as depicted in <FIG>). Moreover, positional terms used when describing the first housing structure, the second housing structure, and aspects thereof such as front, rear, left, right, top, bottom, inferior, superior, frontward, rearward, forward, backward, and the like are with respect to the releasable coupling device positioned on a flat vertical plane, parallel to a y-axis with the first housing structure poisoned more leftward than the second housing structure (e.g., the first and second housing structures as depicted individually in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively and as depicted in the releasable coupling device in <FIG>).

As used herein, terms describing surfaces and/or portions thereof of the temporary magnet and/or the permanent magnet such as exposed, encircled, enclosed, covered, uncovered, and the like are with respect to the first housing structure and the second housing structure isolated from one another. For example, the term "exposed portion" when used to describe a surface of the temporary magnet refers to an area of the surface that forms an outermost exterior portion of the first housing structure when the first and second housing structures are uncoupled.

<FIG> respectively illustrate perspective views of a front side and a rear side of an example releasable coupling device <NUM> for a slide fastener assembly. As shown, the releasable coupling device <NUM> includes a first housing structure <NUM> and a second housing structure <NUM>. In <FIG>, the releasable coupling device <NUM> is depicted with the second housing structure <NUM> receiving the first housing structure <NUM>, or stated another way, the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are depicted as coupled. When coupled, the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are in contact and positioned such that the first housing structure <NUM> is partially in front of a portion of the second housing structure <NUM> in the releasable coupling device <NUM>. Thus, at areas where the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> overlap in the releasable coupling device <NUM>, at least a portion of the second housing structure <NUM> is hidden from view by the first housing structure <NUM> in <FIG>, and likewise, at least a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> is hidden from view by the second housing structure <NUM> in <FIG>. In example aspects, the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> may be constructed using three-dimensional printing techniques using materials such as polyamides, which include, but are not limited to nylon <NUM>. Other aspects contemplate that a variety of injection moldable plastics may also be used to construct the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM>.

The temporary magnet <NUM> is depicted as having a spherical shape and as being included in the first housing structure <NUM> in a manner such that portions of the temporary magnet <NUM> are exposed and other portions are covered by the first housing structure <NUM>. Although not depicted, non-claimed aspects contemplate that the temporary magnet <NUM> may have other three dimensional shapes including, but not limited to a cone, cylinder, cuboid, pyramid, prism, and the like. The permanent magnet <NUM> is depicted as having a shape that includes one or more planar surfaces and as being included in the second housing structure <NUM> in a manner such that portions of the permanent magnet <NUM> are exposed and other portions are covered by the second housing structure <NUM>. Aspects contemplate that the permanent magnet <NUM> may have a variety of three dimensional shapes including but not limited to a sphere, cone, cylinder, cuboid, pyramid, prism, and the like.

In aspects, the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> include features that individually and cooperatively contribute to properties and characteristics of the releasable coupling device <NUM>. Such aspects include complimentary and/or interconnected features of the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> that, in combination, afford coupling and decoupling characteristics to the releasable coupling device <NUM>. The relationships among these features are more easily explained and better appreciated with an independent understanding of the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> are discussed individually below.

Beginning with the first housing structure <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG>, the first housing structure <NUM> comprises a temporary magnet <NUM>, an encircling structure <NUM>, a flange <NUM>, and a first extension member <NUM>. In this example, the first housing structure <NUM> is generally shaped like an "L" in which the temporary magnet <NUM>, the encircling structure <NUM>, and the flange <NUM> collectively form a lower, horizontal portion of the first housing structure <NUM>, and the first extension member <NUM> extends away from the lower, horizontal portion and forms an upper, vertical portion of the first housing structure <NUM>. The flange <NUM> extends from the encircling structure <NUM> in a direction away from the first extension member <NUM>, and as discussed below in more detail, the flange <NUM> is configured to align the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> before and during coupling. The first extension member <NUM> extends away from the encircling structure <NUM> in a first direction (not identified) and is configured to incorporate the releasable coupling device <NUM> into a slide fastener assembly. Moreover, at an upper most portion of the first extension member <NUM>, the first extension member <NUM> includes an optional zipper tooth <NUM> that is configured to couple with opposing zipper teeth when the releasable coupling device <NUM> is included in a slide fastener assembly. In aspects, the zipper tooth <NUM> may be excluded or replaced by a different type of coupling element, which, for example, may correspond to coupling elements of a slider tape included in a slide fastener assembly.

<FIG> respectively illustrate a perspective view, a front view, and a rear view of the first housing structure <NUM> isolated from the second housing structure <NUM>. At a high level, the first housing structure <NUM> is configured to retain the temporary magnet <NUM> such that the encircling structure <NUM> encircles a portion of the temporary magnet <NUM>. As shown, the temporary magnet <NUM> is a sphere and therefore, has a rounded exterior surface, which includes at least one portion that is encircled by the encircling structure <NUM> and at least two other portions that are exposed in the first housing structure <NUM>. As such, the temporary magnet <NUM> has a first surface <NUM> that is exposed on the rear side of the first housing structure <NUM> (e.g., <FIG>) and a second surface <NUM> that is exposed on the front side of the first housing structure <NUM> (e.g., <FIG>). Both the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> are rounded on account of a spherical shape of the temporary magnet <NUM>, and in related aspects, the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> each have a respective surface area which may be the same or different.

The encircling structure <NUM> is configured to retain the temporary magnet <NUM> such that the encircling structure <NUM> generally surrounds an entire circumference of the temporary magnet <NUM> in the first housing structure <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the encircling structure <NUM> is circularly shaped and forms a perimeter around a circumference of the temporary magnet <NUM>. The encircling structure <NUM> extends parallel to a vertical plane, and as such, is parallel to a surface plane of the first housing structure <NUM>. In some example aspects, the encircling structure <NUM> extends along the same surface plane as the first housing structure <NUM>. Further, the encircling structure <NUM> encircles a portion of the temporary magnet <NUM> such that the first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are exposed in the first housing structure <NUM>. In one example aspect, the encircling structure <NUM>, extends around a meridian of the temporary magnet <NUM> and separates the temporary magnet <NUM> into two hemispheres, which are generally positioned on opposing sides of the first housing structure <NUM>. In another example aspect, the encircling structure <NUM> may be positioned to separate the temporary magnet <NUM> into two unequal halves. In other aspects, the encircling structure <NUM> may encircle the temporary magnet <NUM> such that more surface area of the temporary magnet <NUM> is enclosed by the encircling structure <NUM> on the rear side of the first housing structure <NUM> than the front side, or vice versa. Such aspects contemplate that the temporary magnet <NUM> may be partially inset within the encircling structure <NUM> on the front side of the first housing structure <NUM>. One example aspect contemplates that the encircling structure <NUM> may be sized such that the encircling structure <NUM> tightly extends around a circumference of the temporary magnet <NUM> in a manner that holds the temporary magnet <NUM> in place via frictional forces.

Regarding the second housing structure <NUM>, in <FIG>, the second housing structure <NUM> comprises a permanent magnet <NUM>, a receiving receptacle <NUM>, a notch <NUM>, and a second extension member <NUM>. The second housing structure <NUM> is generally shaped like a backwards "L" such as shown in <FIG> in which the permanent magnet <NUM>, the receiving receptacle <NUM>, and the notch <NUM> collectively form a lower, horizontal portion and the second extension member <NUM> extends away from the lower, horizontal portion and forms an upper, vertical portion. The notch <NUM> extends from the receiving receptacle <NUM> and is positioned inferior to and on the same side of the second housing structure <NUM> as the second extension member <NUM>. The notch <NUM> is adapted to receive the flange <NUM> of the first housing structure <NUM>. The second extension member <NUM> extends away from the receiving receptacle <NUM> in a second direction (not identified) and is configured to incorporate the releasable coupling device <NUM> into a slide fastener assembly.

<FIG> respectively illustrate a perspective view, a front view, and a rear view of the second housing structure <NUM> isolated from the first housing structure <NUM>. Generally, the second housing structure <NUM> is configured to retain the permanent magnet <NUM> and is further configured to receive the first housing structure <NUM>. As shown, the permanent magnet <NUM> is positioned within the receiving receptacle <NUM> and has an example cylindroid shape, with two flat, circular surfaces positioned opposite one another and a curved edge extending between the surfaces. In this example aspect, the permanent magnet <NUM> may be a cylinder with a constant width having a diameter from about <NUM> to about <NUM> and a height (i.e., a distance between the two, flat, circular surfaces) from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. As used herein and when referring to a size of the permanent magnet <NUM> the term "about" means ±. Accordingly, the permanent magnet <NUM> includes a first planar surface <NUM> and a second planar surface <NUM>. The first planar surface <NUM> includes a portion that is exposed on the front side of the second housing structure <NUM> (e.g., <FIG>), and similarly, the second planar surface <NUM> includes a portion that is exposed on the rear side of the second housing structure <NUM> (e.g., <FIG>). Moreover, both the first planar surface <NUM> and the second planar surface <NUM> are circular and flat on account of a shape of the permanent magnet <NUM>, and in similar aspects, the first planar surface <NUM> and the second planar surface <NUM> each have a respective surface area that may be the same or different. In an example aspect, the permanent magnet <NUM> may be retained in the second housing structure <NUM> by press fitting.

The receiving receptacle <NUM> is adapted to receive the first housing structure <NUM> and therefore, is configured to have a general structure that is negative to a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> that is received by the receiving receptacle <NUM>. Such aspects contemplate that the receiving receptacle <NUM> may be configured to have a size that is slightly larger than a received portion of the first housing structure <NUM>, and in related aspects, the second housing structure <NUM> may include additional features that are configured or adapted to receive the first housing structure <NUM> and/or components thereof, and such features may be related to and/or positioned proximate the receiving receptacle <NUM>.

<FIG> depict the second housing structure <NUM> as including a receiving surface <NUM>, a first projection <NUM>, and a second projection <NUM>, all of which are configured or adapted to receive the first housing structure <NUM>. The first projection <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> extend outward from the receiving surface <NUM> and are generally positioned on opposing sides of the receiving receptacle <NUM> (e.g., a top side and a bottom side). Thus, the notch <NUM>, which extends away from the receiving receptacle <NUM>, is positioned between the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM>. In one aspect, the first projection <NUM> defines an upper boundary of the notch <NUM> and the second projection <NUM> defines a lower boundary of the notch <NUM>. The receiving receptacle <NUM> is depicted as generally forming a circular depression in the second housing structure <NUM> and as being surrounded by the receiving surface <NUM>, the first projection <NUM>, the second projection <NUM>, and the notch <NUM>. Moreover, in example aspects, the receiving receptacle <NUM> has a frustoconical shape extending from the receiving surface <NUM> and a rear side of the second housing structure <NUM>. In other aspects, the receiving receptacle <NUM> may have a different shape including, but not limited to a hemispherical shape, cylindrical shape, cone, cuboid, pyramid, prism, and the like.

The receiving receptacle <NUM> also includes an enclosure structure <NUM> that is positioned proximate the rear side of the second housing structure <NUM>, forms a rear most portion of the receiving receptacle <NUM>, and is circularly shaped in example aspects. The enclosure structure <NUM> is configured to retain the permanent magnet <NUM>, and in aspects, the enclosure structure <NUM> encloses a curved edge (not identified) of the permanent magnet <NUM> and may also partially enclose the first and second planar surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> such that a portion of each of the first and second planar surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> is exposed in the second housing structure <NUM>. In this example, the exposed portion of the second planar surface <NUM> has a larger surface area than the exposed portion of the first planar surface <NUM>. In other aspects, the enclosure structure <NUM> may be configured to enclose the permanent magnet <NUM> such that an exposed portion of the first planar surface <NUM> has a larger surface area than an exposed portion of the second planar surface <NUM>. In additional aspects, the enclosure structure <NUM> may be configured to enclose the permanent magnet <NUM> such that an exposed portion of the first and second planar surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> have generally equal surface areas.

<FIG> illustrate perspective views of the releasable coupling device <NUM> and depict movement of the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> to and between different positions. Thus, the bracketed arrows and dashed lines between the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> respectively represent designated distances and distances at which the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are separated from one another. Moreover, the arrows positioned next to the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG> indicate directional movement of the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> from a position of the preceding figure (e.g., the arrows in <FIG> indicate movement of the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> from the position of <FIG> in a direction towards one another).

Each of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> depict a coupling distance <NUM>, and as used herein, the term "a coupling distance" refers to a distance between the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> and relates to a maximum distance at which the temporary magnet <NUM> is magnetized and the temporary magnet <NUM> and the permanent magnet <NUM> are magnetically attracted. In one aspect, the coupling distance may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. As used herein and when referring to the coupling distance, the term "about" means ± <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a position in which the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are uncoupled and separated from one another by a first distance <NUM>. As shown, the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are oriented such that the first surface <NUM> of the temporary magnet <NUM> is facing the first planar surface <NUM> of the permanent magnet <NUM>. Moreover, the temporary magnet <NUM> and the flange <NUM> of the first housing structure <NUM> are respectively aligned with the receiving receptacle <NUM> and the notch <NUM> of the second housing structure <NUM>. The first distance <NUM> is greater than the coupling distance <NUM>, and thus, the temporary magnet <NUM> is not magnetized and the temporary magnet <NUM> and the permanent magnet <NUM> are not magnetically attracted when the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are separated from one another by the first distance <NUM>. As such, in the position depicted in <FIG>, the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are beyond the coupling distance <NUM> and will remain uncoupled absent external intervention.

<FIG> depicts the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> after being moved (e.g., by a user) from the position of <FIG> in a direction towards one another. Thus, <FIG> depicts a position in which the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are uncoupled, separated from one another by a second distance <NUM>, and oriented in a same manner as <FIG>. Moreover, the second distance <NUM> is less than the coupling distance <NUM>, and therefore, the temporary magnet <NUM> becomes magnetized, and the temporary magnet <NUM> and the permanent magnet <NUM> are magnetically attracted when the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are separated from one another by the second distance <NUM>. As such, in the position depicted in <FIG>, the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are within the coupling distance <NUM> and will become coupled absent external intervention by a user.

<FIG> depicts the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> after being moved (e.g., by a magnetic force and without human intervention) as being moved from the position of <FIG> in a direction towards one another. Therefore, <FIG> depicts a position in which the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled, and as shown, the temporary magnet <NUM> and the flange <NUM> of the first housing structure <NUM> are respectively received by the receiving receptacle <NUM> and the notch <NUM> of the second housing structure <NUM>. Since the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are within the coupling distance <NUM> when coupled, the temporary magnet <NUM> continues to be magnetized and the temporary magnet <NUM> and the permanent magnet <NUM> continue to be magnetically attracted. Accordingly, in the position depicted in <FIG>, the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> will remain coupled absent external intervention.

<FIG> depicts the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> after being moved (e.g., by a user) from the position of <FIG> in a direction away from one another and depicts a position in which the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are uncoupled and separated from one another by a distance that is greater than the coupling distance <NUM>. The temporary magnet <NUM> is no longer magnetized and the temporary magnet <NUM> and the permanent magnet <NUM> are not magnetically attracted, and thus, in the position depicted in <FIG>, the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> will remain uncoupled absent external intervention.

<FIG> illustrate the releasable coupling device <NUM> when the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled. <FIG> respectively depict a front view of the releasable coupling device <NUM> in a first coupled state <NUM> and a second coupled state <NUM>, and <FIG> is a cross-section of the releasable coupling device <NUM> taken along the line 5C-5C of <FIG>. As shown, when the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled, the first housing structure <NUM> is received by the receiving receptacle <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) such that the first surface <NUM> of the temporary magnet <NUM> is proximate the first planar surface <NUM> of the permanent magnet <NUM>. Moreover, the encircling structure <NUM> of the first housing structure <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM> of the second housing structure <NUM>, and the flange <NUM> of the first housing structure <NUM> is received by the notch <NUM> of the second housing structure <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the releasable coupling device <NUM> is in the first coupled state <NUM>, the first extension member <NUM> of the first housing structure <NUM> is angularly offset from the second extension member <NUM> of the second housing structure <NUM>. As such, the first direction (not identified), which is a direction that the first extension member <NUM> extends from the encircling structure <NUM> is non-parallel to the second direction (not identified), which is a direction the second extension member <NUM> extends from the receiving receptacle <NUM>. The flange <NUM> is positioned centrally within the notch <NUM> and is spaced apart from the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM>. Moreover, a bottom edge <NUM> of the first housing structure <NUM> abuts and is parallel with the second projection <NUM>. When the releasable coupling device <NUM> is in the second coupled state <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are vertically aligned. As such, the first and second extension members <NUM>, <NUM> and in turn, the first and second directions are also vertically aligned or are in parallel. Further, the flange <NUM> is positioned closer to the second projection <NUM> than the first projection <NUM> within the notch <NUM>, and the bottom edge <NUM> of the first housing structure <NUM> is spaced apart from at least a portion of the second projection <NUM>.

In aspects, the releasable coupling device <NUM> is transitionable from the first coupled state <NUM> to the second coupled state <NUM> by rotating the first housing structure <NUM> in a clockwise direction and/or, by rotating the second housing structure <NUM> in a counterclockwise direction. Similarly, the releasable coupling device <NUM> is transitionable from the second coupled state <NUM> to the first coupled state <NUM> by rotating the first housing structure <NUM> in a counterclockwise direction and/or by rotating the second housing structure <NUM> in a clockwise direction.

<FIG> depicts a cross-section of the releasable coupling device <NUM> taken along the line 5C-5C of <FIG>. As shown, when the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled, the receiving receptacle <NUM> receives the first housing structure <NUM> such that the first planar surface <NUM> of the permanent magnet <NUM> is in near contact with the first surface <NUM> of the temporary magnet <NUM>. As used herein, the term "in near contact" when used to describe a spatial relationship between the temporary magnet <NUM> and the permanent magnet <NUM> refers to a distance between a surface of the temporary magnet <NUM> and a surface of the permanent magnet <NUM>. In example aspects, the term "in near contact" means that the first surface <NUM> of the temporary magnet <NUM> and the first planar surface <NUM> of the permanent magnet <NUM> are separated by a distance from <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. As used herein and when referring to the term "in near contact," the term "about" means ± <NUM>.

Moreover, the encircling structure <NUM> is positioned between the first and second projections <NUM>, <NUM>, and a rearward portion of the temporary magnet <NUM> is received by the receiving receptacle <NUM>. In other example aspects, the first planar surface <NUM> of the permanent magnet <NUM> is adjacent to but does not contact the first surface <NUM> of the temporary magnet <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example slide fastener assembly <NUM>, which includes the releasable coupling device <NUM>. As shown, the slide fastener assembly <NUM> also includes a first slider tape <NUM>, a second slider tape <NUM>, and a slide fastener <NUM>. The first slider tape <NUM> includes a first set of coupling elements <NUM>, has a first end <NUM>, and is configured to secure to an underlying object, such as a textile or a fabric panel. Likewise, the second slider tape <NUM> includes a second set of coupling elements <NUM>, has a second end <NUM>, and is configured to secure to an underlying object. In example aspects, the slide fastener <NUM> is permanently mounted to the second slider tape <NUM> and is configured to couple and decouple the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> when traversing the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM>, <NUM>. The first housing structure <NUM> is attached to the first slider tape <NUM> at the first end <NUM> via the first extension member <NUM>. Likewise, the second housing structure <NUM> is attached to the second slider tape <NUM> at the second end <NUM> via the second extension member <NUM>. In an example aspect, the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> may be respectively attached to the first and second slider tapes <NUM>, <NUM> using an adhesive. Another example aspect contemplates that the first and second housing structures <NUM>, <NUM> may be respectively molded (e.g., injection molding) directly onto the first and second slider tapes <NUM>, <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the first and second slider tapes <NUM>, <NUM> are depicted as zipper tapes, the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> are depicted as sets of zipper teeth, and the slide fastener <NUM> is depicted as a zipper. Other slider systems are contemplated herein. Moreover, the first extension member <NUM> is depicted as including the zipper tooth <NUM>, which, in this example, is configured to couple with the second set of coupling elements <NUM>. Moreover, each of <FIG> depict the slide fastener assembly <NUM> at a different stage of releasable fastening, and the arrows in <FIG> indicate directional movement of the releasable coupling device <NUM> and the slide fastener <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the releasable coupling device <NUM> in the first coupled state <NUM> (not identified), depicts the slide fastener <NUM> as proximate the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second slider tapes <NUM>, <NUM>, and depicts the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> as uncoupled. Moreover, the first slider tape <NUM> extends away from the releasable coupling device <NUM> in a direction that is similar to or parallel to the first direction (i.e., a direction that the first extension member <NUM> extends from the encircling structure <NUM>), and the second slider tape <NUM> extends away from the releasable coupling device <NUM> in a direction that is similar to or parallel to the second direction (i.e., a direction that the second extension member <NUM> extends from the receiving receptacle <NUM>). Thus, the first and second slider tapes <NUM>, <NUM> are proximate one another at the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, and are spaced farther apart from one another as they extend away from the releasable coupling device <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the releasable coupling device <NUM> in the second coupled state <NUM> (not identified) and after being moved in a clockwise direction. The slide fastener <NUM> is again depicted proximate the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second slider tapes <NUM>, <NUM>, and the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> are depicted as uncoupled. Additionally, the first and second slider tapes <NUM>, <NUM> extend in a direction that is similar to or parallel to the first and second directions, respectively. Thus, the first and second slider tapes <NUM>, <NUM> are adjacent one another at the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> and are spaced proximate one another as they extend away from the releasable coupling device <NUM>. When the releasable coupling device <NUM> is in the second coupled state <NUM> (not identified), the slide fastener <NUM> may be removable secured to the first housing structure <NUM> by, for instance, the first extension member <NUM> being removably positioned within a slot in a throat of the slide fastener <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the slide fastener <NUM> after being moved in a direction away from the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> at a midway position on the first and second slider tapes <NUM>, <NUM>. The releasable coupling device <NUM> is depicted in the second coupled state <NUM> (not identified), and the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> are depicted as partially coupled. As such, coupling elements of the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> are uncoupled above the slide fastener <NUM> and coupled below the slide fastener <NUM>. Also, the zipper tooth <NUM> is coupled with coupling elements of the second set of coupling elements <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view of an example upper body garment <NUM> incorporating the slide fastener assembly <NUM>. In this example, the upper body garment <NUM> is a jacket, and the slide fastener assembly <NUM> is used to releasably fasten a first fabric panel <NUM> and a second fabric panel <NUM> at a center front of the upper body garment <NUM>. As shown, the first slider tape <NUM> is joined with the first fabric panel <NUM>, and the second slider tape <NUM> is joined with the second fabric panel <NUM>. Moreover, the slide fastener <NUM> is mounted to the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second slider tapes <NUM>, <NUM>, which are engaged with one another below the slide fastener <NUM>. Further, the releasable coupling device <NUM> is attached to the first slider tape <NUM> at the first end <NUM> via the first extension member <NUM> and is also attached to the second slider tape <NUM> at the second end <NUM> via the second extension member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view of an example lower body garment <NUM> incorporating the slide fastener assembly <NUM>. In this example, the lower body garment <NUM> is a pant, and the slide fastener assembly <NUM> is used to releasably fasten a first portion at a bottom of a pant leg and a second portion at the bottom of the pant leg to widen or narrow an opening of the pant leg. As shown, the first slider tape <NUM> is joined with the first fabric panel <NUM>, and the second slider tape <NUM> is joined with the second fabric panel <NUM>. Moreover, the slide fastener <NUM> is mounted to the first and second sets of coupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second slider tapes <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, the releasable coupling device <NUM> is attached to the first slider tape <NUM> at the first end <NUM> via the first extension member <NUM> and is also attached to the second slider tape <NUM> at the second end <NUM> via the second extension member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a flow diagram of an example method <NUM> of manufacturing the releasable coupling device <NUM>. As shown, at block <NUM>, a first step of the method is depicted, which includes positioning a temporary magnet, such as the temporary magnet <NUM> in a first housing structure, such as the first housing structure <NUM>. In aspects, the temporary magnet has a spherical shape and the first housing structure includes an encircling structure, such as the encircling structure <NUM> that encircles a portion of the temporary magnet such that a first surface of the temporary magnet is exposed. At block <NUM>, a second step of the method is depicted, which includes positioning a permanent magnet, such as the permanent magnet <NUM> in a second housing structure, such as the second housing structure <NUM>. In aspects, the second housing structure includes a receiving receptacle, such as the receiving receptacle <NUM> adapted to receive the first housing structure such that the permanent magnet is in near contact with the first surface of the temporary magnet.

In further aspects, the first housing structure may comprise a first extension member, such as the first extension member <NUM> extending in a first direction away from the encircling structure, and the second housing structure may comprise a second extension member, such as the second extension member <NUM> extending in the first direction away from the receiving receptacle.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, wherein the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A releasable coupling device (<NUM>) for a slide fastener assembly (<NUM>), the releasable coupling device (<NUM>) comprising: a first housing structure (<NUM>) comprising a temporary magnet (<NUM>) having a spherical shape, the first housing structure (<NUM>) including an encircling structure (<NUM>) that encircles a portion of the temporary magnet (<NUM>) such that a first surface (<NUM>) of the temporary magnet (<NUM>) is exposed; and a second housing structure (<NUM>) comprising a permanent magnet (<NUM>), the second housing structure (<NUM>) including a receiving receptacle (<NUM>) adapted to receive the first housing structure (<NUM>) such that the permanent magnet (<NUM>) is in near contact with the first surface (<NUM>) of the temporary magnet (<NUM>),
characterized in that the first housing structure (<NUM>) further comprises a flange (<NUM>) extending from the encircling structure (<NUM>), and the second housing structure (<NUM>) comprises a notch (<NUM>) that is adapted to receive the flange (<NUM>) of the first housing structure (<NUM>).