Patent ID: 12201194

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring generally toFIGS.1-3, a slide assembly (10) for zippers is illustrated. In its simplest form, the slide assembly (10) includes a slide member (12) and a pull member (14). The slide assembly (10) is preferably formed during a single operation in a die cast machine (not shown). The slide member (12) is formed to include a bridge (16) for locating and retaining the pull member (14) in a manner that allows for rotation and some linear translation of the pull member (14). The bridge (16) is also formed so that it does not include breaks or gaps which could weaken the bridge (16) and allow the pull member (14) to be released. Particularly, the bridge (16) includes a first end (18) and a second end (20) and central portion (22). Both the first and second ends (18) (20) are integrally formed to the top surface (24) of the slide (12). An inner surface (26) of the bridge is formed to be substantially flat as it extends transversely from side to side of the slide, but may include any desirable longitudinal contour for function or aesthetics. Because the bridge is integrally formed, corner radii (28) and fillets (30) may be formed during the die casting process to add strength and rigidity to the structure as well as aesthetic appearance. The inner portion (32) of the slide (12) includes a splitter (34) which divides the inner portion (32) into a Y-shape for causing the zipper chain (not shown) to be joined or separated as is known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the slide (12) includes an upper guide (72) and a lower guide (74) for guiding the zipper chain through the slide (12), the upper guide (72) and the lower guide (74) being separated and secured together with a splitter (34), the splitter and said guides (72) (74) are constructed and arranged to interlock the zipper chain when moved in a first direction and disengage the zipper chain when moved in a second direction. At least one, and in some embodiments two guide wall(s) (36) are integrally formed as part of the slider to help guide the teeth as they pass through the slider assembly (12).

The pull (14) is formed in position around the bridge (16) to include a loop portion (38). The loop portion (38) is integrally formed to the first tab portion (40) to eliminate breakage and separation of the two components during use. The loop portion (38) may include any geometry desirable, which may include rounds, ovals, polygons and the like, so long as the geometry is complete and does not require converging flat surfaces that are required to remove the tools from the formed part during manufacturing as seen in the prior art. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, the loop portion (38) is formed to be square in cross section, having a substantially flat inner loop surface (42) with inner corners (44) providing the desired appearance and function to the overall slide assembly (10).FIG.2illustrates a slide assembly (10) having a loop portion (38) with a round cross section formed around the same or similar bridge construction as described inFIG.1. In this embodiment, the loop geometry is formed complete and does not require relief geometry for the tooling retraction after forming.

FIG.3illustrates one embodiment for forming the pull (14) in place around the bridge (16). As illustrated, the tool includes at least one side shifting slide (46). As the die casting tool (50) is closed to form a slide (12) and pull (14), the at least one side shifting slide (46) and at least one first insert (48) and one secondary insert (52) are inserted into the area under the bridge (16). The insert (48) and side shifting slide (46) are positioned first along an insertion path so that the side shift can occur after the slide has reached its insertion depth. Next, the secondary insert (52) is timed to be positioned in the mold adjacent to the side shift slide (46) once the side shift has occurred. The remaining portions of the mold can be closed before, after, or simultaneously with the slides without departing from the scope of the invention. Other portions of the mold include mold sections that form the remainder of the loop (38) and pull (14). In a most preferred embodiment, the pull (14) is positioned to stand vertically with respect to the slide as illustrated inFIG.1. However, it should be noted that by utilizing the side shifting slide(s), the pull may be rotated to different angles as needed in the mold without departing from the scope of the invention. After formation of the slider assembly (10) in the die cast mold, the at least one side shifting slide (46) is configured to make an orthogonal side shift after formation of the slide member assembly, the side shift having a length great enough to clear the geometry of the loop portion (38) before retraction of the slide from under the bridge (16).

Referring toFIGS.4-8, a slide assembly (10) further including a connecting link (54) positioned and formed between the pull member (14) and the slide member (12) is illustrated. The connecting link (54) is formed as a continuous member, extending around the bridge (16) and the loop (38) connecting the bridge (16) to the pull member (14). The connecting link (54) is formed using the side shifting slides (46) in the same manner as the loop portion (38) of the pull (14).

Referring toFIGS.5-8, a slide assembly (10) having a pull member (14) molded on each respective side of the slider assembly is illustrated. In this embodiment, the slide member (12) includes a bottom surface (25), the bottom surface includes a second bridge (56), the second bridge (56) having a first end (58) and a second end (60), both integrally formed to the bottom surface (25). An inner surface (26) of the bridge is formed to be substantially flat as it extends transversely across the inner surface (62). The second pull member (64) includes a second loop portion (68) and a second tab portion (70). The second loop portion (68) is formed as a continuous loop around the second bridge (56) and integrally formed to the second tab portion (70). In this embodiment, the slide member (12) and said pull members (14) (64) are formed in a single operation in a die casting tool (50); the die casting tool having at least one side shifting slide (46) for forming a portion of each of the inner surfaces (26) (62) of the first and second bridges (16) (56) and a lower portion of each loop portion (38) (68) of the pull members (14) (64), each at least one side shifting slide (46) being configured to shift orthogonally with respect to its insertion path.

Referring toFIG.9, a double chain slider assembly (80) is illustrated. In this embodiment, the slide (12) includes an upper guide (72), a middle guide (76) and a lower guide (74) for guiding a first zipper chain (not shown) and a second zipper chain (not shown) through the slide (12). The upper guide (72) and the middle guide (76) are separated and secured together with a first splitter (34), while the middle guide (76) and the lower guide (74) are separated and secured together with a second splitter (35). The splitters (34) (35) and the guides (72) (76) (74) are constructed and arranged to interlock a first zipper chain and a second zipper chain (not shown) when moved in a first direction, and disengage the first zipper chain and the second zipper chain when moved in a second direction. This embodiment may be used for zipper chains that are the same or different from the first to the second zipper chain. This embodiment applies to waterproof zipper chains and the like, wherein one zipper chain provides fastening while the second zipper chain provides water proofing.

Referring toFIGS.1-9, it should be noted that the pulls or slides may include indicia (78), in the form of logos, figures, characters or the like that are integrally formed as part of the slider assembly. This also includes, but should not be limited to, serial numbers, lot numbers, part numbers, patent numbers, trademarks and the like. It should also be noted that the present embodiments are specifically utilized for forming slider assemblies from metal in a die casting process, and thus various metals may be utilized, including, but not limited to, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, copper, brass, and suitable combinations thereof.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Any compounds, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.