Patent ID: 12213565

A slider for zip fasteners according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is indicated with the numerical reference1in the appended figures.

According to the invention, the slider1illustrated in the accompanying figures is of the so-called “self-locking” type.

The slider1comprises a slider body110, illustrated in more detail inFIGS.7and8, comprising a first end111at which two longitudinal slide channels119for teeth of a zip fastener open and a second end112at which a single longitudinal sliding channel120for the teeth of a zip fastener opens.

In a way known per se, the two channels119join in the single channel120in the slider body110.

The slider body110is configured to longitudinally slide along two rows of teeth of a zip fastener. The longitudinal direction is indicated in the attached figures by the X axis.

The slider body110longitudinally extends from the first end111to the second end112and comprises a lower portion113and an upper portion140that is opposite to the lower portion113along a vertical direction (see for example,FIGS.1,3and4).

The vertical direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and is indicated in the attached figures by the Z axis.

The lower portion113and the upper portion140both extend from the first end111to the second end112.

The lower portion113comprises a pair of vertically extending lower lateral flanges115. The upper portion140comprises a pair of upper lateral flanges116vertically extending towards the lower lateral flanges115.

A nose portion117connects the lower portion113to the upper portion140(see for exampleFIGS.1,12and13).

The nose portion117is arranged between the upper portion140and the lower portion113and longitudinally extends from the first end111to an intermediate point118between the first end111and the second end112.

The two longitudinal sliding channels119open on the first end111, each sliding channel119being configured to receive a single array of teeth of the zip fastener. The two channels119are inferiorly delimited by the lower portion113and superiorly delimited by the upper portion140. The nose portion117laterally separates the two channels119.

Each of the two channels119is delimited, at the opposite side with respect to the nose portion117, by one of the lower lateral flanges115of the lower portion113and by one of the upper lateral flanges116of the upper portion140of the slider body110.

In this way, each gap between the lower side flange115and the upper side flange116can be traversed by a piece of fabric of the zip fastener on which the array of teeth sliding in the channel119is installed.

The two channels119longitudinally extend from the first end111towards the second end112and converge into the intermediate point118.

The single longitudinal sliding channel120for the two arrays of teeth of the zip fastener opens on the second end112. The single channel120extends from the second end112towards the first end111until it joins with the two channels119at the intermediate point118.

The single channel120is thus inferiorly delimited by the lower portion113, superiorly delimited by the upper portion140and laterally delimited by the lower lateral flanges115and by the upper lateral flanges116.

The slider body110is therefore internally provided with a cavity formed by the two channels119and by the single channel120which join at the intermediate point118.

The slider body110can be mounted in a zip fastener (not illustrated) so that the two arrays of teeth of the zip fastener go through the single channel120and each array goes through one of the two channels119.

The lower portion113is configured to be arranged at a side of the zip fastener that is, in use, unexposed or concealed, for example the inner side of an article, such as an item of clothing or footwear.

On the other hand, the upper portion140is configured to be arranged at a side of the zip fastener that is, in use, exposed or otherwise visible, for example the outer side of the article.

By sliding the slider body110along a first longitudinal sliding direction, the two rows of teeth converge into the point where the two channels119converge into the single channel120and couple to each other in such a way that the teeth of one row fit between the teeth of the other row, closing the zip fastener.

By sliding the slider body110in a second longitudinal sliding direction that is opposite to the first one, the two mutually coupled rows of teeth enter the single channel120and are split near the intermediate point118of the slider body110where the single channel120splits in two, causing the zip to open.

Preferably, the upper portion140comprises a support base121, integrally connected by means of the nose portion117with the lower portion113of the slider body110, and a protruding element114vertically extending from the support base121.

The support base121and the protruding element114are therefore facing upwards, i.e., towards the outside of the slider1in the conditions of use in a zip fastener.

Preferably, the support base121is configured to support the protruding element114.

To this end, the support base121is preferably substantially plate-like and has an upper face122, perpendicular to the vertical direction and a side wall123(seeFIG.7).

Preferably, the side wall123is vertical.

Preferably, the support base121defines with the lower portion113of the slider body110a plurality of fins, for example a pair of fins124, laterally extending at the second end112of the slider body110(seeFIGS.2and4).

Preferably, the fins124are integral with the support base121so that they laterally extend from the slider body110in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

In this preferred embodiment, therefore, each fin124comprises an upper face forming part of the upper face122of the support base121and a side wall forming part of the side wall123of the support base121.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the fins124are arranged at opposite sides of the support base121with respect to the X axis.

Preferably, the support base121has a plurality of holes125made in the fins124.

In particular, at least two fins124each have at least one hole125.

Advantageously, the holes125made in the fins124can be easily made and accessible.

Preferably, the holes125extend in a vertical direction and are through holes, i.e., extending through the entire vertical extension of the respective fin124.

Preferably, the protruding element114of the upper portion140of the slider body110is structurally independent from the support base121and is mechanically rigidly fixed, reversibly or, more preferably, irreversibly, to the support base121.

As illustrated above, in this preferred embodiment of the slider1the protruding element114always remains exposed towards the outside of the slider of the zip fastener1to achieve, for example, a desired aesthetic effect.

Within the framework of the present description and of the subsequent claims, the expression “mechanically and rigidly coupling” and the like means that the protruding element114of the upper portion140of the slider body is coupled to the remaining portion of the slider body110by means of operations of mechanical interaction of parts, for example by plastic deformation.

In this sense, therefore, there is a mechanical and rigid coupling of parts without glues or adhesives being used.

In this way, the slider body110and the protruding element114can each be made according to the most suitable production process. The slider body110can be made by means of the production process that is best suited to its shape and its mechanical requirements, for example by moulding, and the protruding element114can be made by means of the most economical and flexible production process, which allows to easily modify the shape and the aesthetic appearance, for example by moulding or by one or more mechanical machining operations with chip removal.

Preferably, the protruding element114is mechanically fixed in a rigid and preferably irreversible manner, to the support base121for example and preferably by means of a coupling assembly160which will be described in more detail below.

Preferably, the protruding element114has a lower face141abutting against the support base121(seeFIG.8).

Preferably, the protruding element114has an upper face142opposite to the lower face141along a vertical direction.

Preferably, the protruding element114of the upper portion140of the slider body110is provided with a side wall143extending from the lower face141to the upper face142.

In the preferred embodiment, the side wall143of the protruding element114and, thus of the upper portion140of the slider body110, has a substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical shape and is oriented along a substantially vertical or slightly oblique direction with respect to the vertical direction.

Preferably, the side wall143of the upper portion140of the slider body110comprises a pressure portion144suitably shaped to allow a finger of the user to be placed thereon and to allow the user to exert a longitudinally directed pressure on the slider body110and in a direction opposite to the opening direction of the zip fastener.

Preferably, the pressure portion144of the upper portion140of the slider body110is configured to allow the ergonomic positioning thereon of a finger of the user so as to exert on the upper portion140and, specifically, on the protruding element114thereof, a force that is directed substantially perpendicularly to the pressure portion144.

“Ergonomic positioning” means that at least 10% of the fingertip can adhere to the pressure portion144while exerting this force, preferably at least 20%. Still more preferably at least 30%.

Preferably, the pressure portion144is substantially perpendicularly oriented to the longitudinal sliding direction of the slider1.

Preferably, the pressure portion144has a flat or concave region configured to best accommodate a finger of the user (e.g., the thumb or the index finger).

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the pressure portion144is part of the side wall143.

In a preferred embodiment, the protruding element114of the upper portion140of the slider body110comprises a decorative element145, for example, a logo, or it is itself configured as a three-dimensional decorative element.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, said decorative pattern145is applied at the upper wall142of the protruding element114so that in the use configuration of the slider1said decorative pattern145may be facing outwards with respect to the article on which the slider1is applied, so as to be easily visible.

Preferably, the protruding element114has a geometric three-dimensional shape, such that the protruding element114as a whole has at least a dimension substantially of the same order of magnitude as the lower portion113of the slider body110.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the protruding element114has a dimension greater than that of the lower portion113of the slider body110.

In this way, it is advantageously possible to achieve the most varied aesthetic characteristics of the slider1as a whole.

Preferably, the protruding element114completely covers the support base121of the upper portion140of the slider body110.

In other words, the protruding element114is advantageously configured to cover the slider body110when the latter is applied on a zip fastener of an article, so as to expose the decorative pattern145instead of the slider body110and of other functional components of the slider1.

As illustrated above, the slider1preferably comprises a coupling assembly160configured to mechanically and rigidly couple, preferably irreversibly, the protruding element114to the support base121of the upper portion140of the slider body110.

Preferably, the coupling assembly160acts between the lower face141of the protruding element114and the support base121of the slider body110to clamp them against each other.

Preferably, the coupling assembly160is configured to mechanically couple the protruding element114to the support base121of the slider body110at the fins124described above and defined by the support base121with the lower portion113of the slider body110.

In this way, it is advantageously possible to have an easy access to the part of the slider1where the coupling assembly160acts.

Preferably, the coupling assembly160comprises a plurality of pegs each configured to engage a respective housing hole.

In the figures, the pegs of the coupling assembly160are indicated by reference161.

In preferred embodiments, the pegs161may integrally extend from one among the slider body110and the protruding element114and respective housing holes made in the other among the slider body110and the protruding element114.

The pegs161and the holes can be made on the support base121of the upper portion140of the slider body110and on the protruding element114after they have been made and independently of the mechanical operations adopted to produce them.

Preferably, the pegs161are mechanically fixed to the other among the support base121of the slider body110and the protruding element114in an irreversible manner, for example by plastic deformation in the respective housing holes.

The plastic deformation of the pegs allows a rigid and irreversible coupling between the protruding element114and the remaining part of the slider body110, which is able both to guarantee the required strength and rigidity and to ensure that the protruding element114is stably an integral part of the upper portion140of the slider body110over time.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the pegs161are integral with the protruding element114and protrude from the lower face141of said protruding element114.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the holes125are through holes formed in the fins124, while the pegs161are mechanically fixed to the slider body110by plastic deformation of a respective free end portion162thereof protruding from the through holes125.

When making the preferred embodiment of the slider1illustrated in the figures, it is therefore sufficient to arrange the protruding element114and the support base121of the slider body110next to each other and subsequently to deform the free end portion162of the pegs161.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the pegs161may be mechanically fixed to the slider body110in an irreversible manner by plastic deformation of a free end portion162of the pegs161within the through holes125.

In other words, according to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the pegs161are subjected to an irreversible mechanical deformation subsequent to their insertion inside the holes125so as to irreversibly engage the slider body110.

According to an alternative preferred embodiment, not illustrated, the holes125are blind holes whereas the pegs161are plastically deformed inside the holes125.

In both of the aforesaid coupling modes, each peg161cannot therefore disengage from the hole125unless there are structural breakages or failures.

According to an alternative embodiment, the pegs161are coupled by interference to the respective holes125.

In this case, each peg161has a larger cross-sectional area than the respective hole125and is inserted therein thanks to a temperature difference with the hole125which reduces its relative dimension. The natural reduction in temperature difference normalises the dimensions of the peg161and of the hole125and makes their mutual engagement irreversible.

According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the coupling assembly160comprises pegs that protrude from the support base121to engage respective holes made in the protruding element114.

According to an embodiment not illustrated, the coupling assembly160comprises a plurality of threaded members, which go through respective through holes125made in the support base121, and in screwing engagement in respective further holes, preferably blind holes, made in the protruding element114.

Preferably, such threaded members consist of screws.

The aforesaid further holes may have a nut screw configured to couple with the threaded members.

Alternatively, the threaded members may comprise self-tapping screws in order to establish a threaded coupling with the further holes lacking a nut screw.

The through holes125can be made at the fins124in a similar manner as described and illustrated above.

This allows an access to the screw heads from below.

Preferably, the threaded coupling between the threaded members and the further holes is irreversible. The irreversibility can be obtained by means of a subsequent mechanical processing on the head of the screw or on the insert thereof so that unscrewing is made impossible.

According to the invention and as illustrated above, the slider1comprises a lock mechanism200of the sliding movement of the slider1that is positioned in the slider body110and comprising a movable stop element210of the sliding movement of the slider1in a longitudinal direction and in the zip fastener opening direction and illustrated in greater detail below with reference toFIGS.7and9.

According to the invention, the slider1further comprises a release button300for unlocking the lock mechanism200, slidably mounted in the slider body110and manually operable to unlock the lock mechanism200.

The release button300is in particular configured to cooperate with the movable stop element210of the lock mechanism200and to move the movable stop element210from an operative position (illustrated inFIG.12), wherein the movable stop element210engages one of the channels119;120for locking a slider1sliding along the opening direction of the zip fastener, to a non-operative position (illustrated inFIG.13) wherein the movable stop element210does not engage any of the aforesaid channels119;120.

Preferably, the release button300is mounted in the upper portion140of the slider body110, more preferably in the protruding element114of the upper portion140, at a longitudinally opposite part with respect to the above-described pressure portion144of the upper portion140(seeFIGS.12and13).

In this way, it is advantageously possible to manually grasp in a very easy way the upper portion140of the slider body110, specifically the protruding element114thereof, and to exert in an equally easy way such an action of manual pressure which allows to operate—only when desired—the release button300.

In order to optimise such a technically advantageous effect and as best illustrated inFIGS.12and13, the release button300preferably comprises a respective pressure portion310, and is configured such that the pressure portion144of the side wall143of the upper portion140of the slider body110, specifically of the protruding element114thereof, and the pressure portion310of the release button300are aligned along a longitudinal sliding direction of the slider body110.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the protruding element114of the upper portion140of the slider body110comprises a cavity150formed above the support base121and configured to at least partially house the lock mechanism200of the sliding of the slider1(seeFIG.8).

In this way, it is advantageously possible both to protect the lock mechanism200while preserving as much as possible its proper functioning, and to conceal said lock mechanism200from view while preserving the aesthetic characteristics conferred to the slider1by the upper portion140of the slider body110, in this case by the protruding element114thereof.

More specifically, the cavity150is made in the lower part of the protruding element114so as to open in the lower surface141.

Preferably, the cavity150extends in the longitudinal direction.

Preferably, the release button300is partially housed in said cavity150so that the respective pressure portion310protrudes from a driving opening151provided in the protruding element114of the upper portion140of the slider body110.

In this way, it is advantageously possible both to protect the release button300from damages and to have available as needed the part of said release button300that must be pressed manually to unlock the lock mechanism200minimising, if not eliminating, the possibility of an accidental operation.

Preferably, the driving opening151opens into the cavity150.

Preferably, the driving opening151is made in the side wall143of the protruding element114, in particular at a position opposite to the pressure portion144.

Preferably, the driving opening151is located at a longitudinal end of the cavity150.

Preferably, the cavity150is longitudinally delimited by a rear wall152opposite to the driving opening151.

Preferably, the pressure portion144is arranged at the rear wall152at an opposite side with respect to the cavity150.

Preferably, the release button300protrudes from the driving opening151for a length lower than 6 mm, preferably said length being comprised between 0.5 mm and 5 mm and still more preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm.

In this way, it is possible to optimise the technical effects described above of protecting the lock mechanism200and of reducing the possibility of an unintentional operation to the benefit of the operating reliability of the slider1.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the cavity150formed in the upper portion140of the slider body110, in this case in the protruding element114thereof, is configured to guide a sliding, preferably longitudinal, of the release button300in the upper portion140of the slider body110.

In this way, it is advantageously possible to guide in a protected manner the release button300while ensuring an optimal operating reliability of the slider1.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the cavity150comprises at least one lateral recess153, more preferably two lateral recesses153, extending in a transverse direction at opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal X axis (seeFIG.8).

The transverse direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and to the vertical direction and is indicated in the attached figures by the Y axis.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the cavity150provided with the lateral recesses153has substantially an elongated cross shape.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures and for a greater sliding stability, the release button300comprises at least one lateral protrusion330, more preferably two lateral protrusions330, extending in opposite directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, each inserted into a respective lateral recess153of the cavity150(seeFIG.11).

In this way, an end-stop of the release button300is advantageously defined in the upper portion140of the slider body110.

In other words, each lateral protrusion330is movable in its respective lateral recess153when the release button300moves between a non-operative position thereof and an operative, or pressed, position thereof and is configured to abut against a wall of the lateral recess153when the release button300reaches the non-operative position.

This also advantageously limits the maximum excursion of the release button300in the slider body110and prevents the release button300from completely exiting from the cavity150.

As can be seen from the figures, in this preferred embodiment, the protruding element114is moved close to the support base121of the upper portion140of the slider body110in the assembly phase of the slider1so as to partially occlude the cavity150.

In this way, the components to be housed in the cavity can be inserted therein before the coupling of the protruding element114to the support base121of the slider body110and, subsequently, the coupling of the protruding element114to said support base121partially occludes the cavity150, enclosing the various components of the slider1present therein.

Preferably, the support base121inferiorly occludes the cavity150so that, in the assembled configuration of the slider1, the driving opening151is the only access to the cavity150.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the lock mechanism200comprises a driving element250of the movable stop element210, which will be described in more detail below with reference toFIG.10, longitudinally interposed between the release button300and the movable stop element210.

As will be described in more detail below, the driving element250is translationally driven along the longitudinal direction (i.e., along the X axis) by the release button300.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the movable stop element210of the lock mechanism200of the sliding movement of the slider1is arranged on the support base121of the slider body110.

As illustrated above, the movable stop element210may be driven by the release button300and is configured to stop the sliding of the slider1in the opening direction of the zip fastener and to prevent the unintentional opening of the latter.

Preferably and as better illustrated inFIG.9, the movable stop element210is substantially bridge-shaped and comprises:i) a recess220configured to house an engagement portion253of the driving element250; andii) an abutment portion219engageable by the engagement portion253.

Preferably, the engagement portion253of the driving element250is configured to cooperate with said abutment portion219to move the movable stop element210from its operative position to its non-operative position.

More particularly, the abutment portion219and the engagement portion253of the driving element250are configured to slide against each another so as to lift a second end212of the movable stop element210with respect to a first end211(and thus a rotation of the movable stop element210) during the translation of the driving element250from an advanced position to a retracted position.

Preferably, the engagement portion253is configured to interpose between the abutment portion219and a ramp portion131, extending from the support base121of the upper portion140of the slider body110, and to move them away from each other during the translation of the driving element250from the advanced position to the retracted position.

In this way, it is advantageously possible to move the movable stop element210safely and reliably to its non-operative position by means of a guided translation of the release button300and of the driving element250.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the abutment portion219of the movable stop element210has a sliding surface219a, facing the longitudinal sliding channels119,120of the teeth of the zip fastener and inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Advantageously, this configuration of the movable stop element210facilitates its movement towards its non-operative position by the release button300and the driving element250.

To optimise such a movement, the engagement portion253of the driving element250is preferably configured to slide against the sliding surface219aduring a longitudinal translation of the engagement portion253towards the second end112of the slider body110along the X axis so as to effectively move the movable stop element210from its operative position to its non-operative position.

Advantageously, such a movement of the movable stop element210, is further optimised by the ramp portion131extending from the support base121of the upper portion140of the slider body110.

Advantageously, the ramp portion131guides along a vertical direction the displacement of the engagement portion253of the driving element250away from the support base121of the slider body110.

Preferably, the engagement portion253of the driving element250is configured to slide against the ramp portion131so as to move away from the support base121during a longitudinal translation along the X axis of the driving element250towards the second end112of the slider body110(i.e., in the opening direction of the zip fastener).

In this way, the reliability and the repeatability of movement of the movable stop element210are advantageously optimised.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the recess220of the movable stop element210defines a through opening between the movable stop element210and the support base121of the upper portion140of the slider body110.

In this preferred embodiment, the engagement portion253of the driving element250configured to move the movable stop element210is conveniently housed in this through opening.

Preferably, the recess220is formed in the body of the movable stop element210adjacent to the abutment portion219and is longitudinally interposed between at least one hooking portion217of the movable stop element210to the slider body110and the abutment portion219(seeFIG.9).

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the movable stop element210extends from a first end211to a second end212opposite to the first end211and further comprises:iii) a stop tooth213formed at the second end212and configured to engage one of the longitudinal sliding channels119;120of the teeth of the zip fastener when the movable stop element210is in its operative position (illustrated inFIG.12),iv) an elastic portion214formed at the first end211and configured to push the movable stop element210towards its operative position (again illustrated inFIG.12).

Preferably, in the assembled configuration of the slider1the stop tooth213extends in a substantially vertical downward direction. In the locking position of the slider1(corresponding to the operative position of the movable stop element210), the stop tooth213of the movable stop element210engages the channel119;120through a through hole132made in the support base121so as to prevent a sliding of the slider1on the zip fastener along at least one longitudinal direction.

Preferably, the through hole132is configured to house the aforesaid stop tooth213of the movable stop element210.

Preferably, the through hole132vertically extends from the support base121towards one of the channels119,120, in this case towards the channel120.

Preferably, the through hole132is placed aside the ramp portion131. In particular, the stop tooth213in the locking position is configured to prevent a backward sliding of the slider1and to allow a forward sliding of the slider1i.e., in the opening direction of the zip fastener.

In a preferred embodiment, the stop tooth213of the movable stop element210is also configured not to prevent a forward sliding of the slider1, that is, in the closing direction of the zip fastener. This, thanks to a particular geometric shape of the tooth itself, as known to those skilled in the art.

In this way, the slider1can be advantageously moved in the zip closing direction without necessarily having to actuate the release button300, thus increasing the ease of use of the slider1.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the driving element250is substantially U-shaped and comprises two longitudinally extending arms251substantially parallel to each other, and a joining section252extending between said parallel arms251.

Preferably, the engagement portion253of the driving element250is arranged at said joining section252.

This preferred configuration of the driving element250is particularly effective in ensuring a reliable movement of the movable stop element210taking into account its preferred fixing configuration to the slider body110as described in more detail hereinbelow.

Specifically, the slider body110preferably comprises a first coupling portion126of the movable stop element210to the slider body110protruding from the support base121of the upper portion140of the slider body110next to the first end111of the slider body.

Preferably, the first coupling portion126protrudes upwards, i.e., substantially perpendicularly to the support base121itself.

Preferably, the first coupling portion126comprises at least one first hooking portion127, preferably two first hooking portions127, protruding from the support base121and defining at least one housing seat126of the aforementioned hooking portion217formed at one end of the movable stop element210, preferably a pair of housing seats for a pair of hooking portions217(seeFIG.9), the operation of which will be described in detail hereinbelow.

Preferably, the first coupling portion126of the slider body110comprises a retaining portion128at the at least one first hooking portion127, preferably protruding from the support base121between the two first hooking portions127.

Preferably, the slider body110comprises a cavity129formed in the support base121adjacent to the first coupling portion126.

Preferably, the slider body110also comprises at least one first stop portion130for stopping the movable stop element210, preferably two first stop portions130, protruding from the support base121in a position that is longitudinally opposite to the first coupling portion126(seeFIG.7).

Advantageously, the first stop portions130are configured to limit the lifting movement of the movable stop element210with respect to the support base121of the slider body110(i.e., the movement of the movable stop element210towards its non-operative position illustrated inFIG.13).

Preferably, the ramp portion131described above protrudes from the support base121of the upper portion140of the slider body110between the at least one first hooking portion127and the at least one first stop portion130(seeFIG.7).

Preferably, the ramp portion131comprises a sliding surface131aobliquely oriented with respect to the upper face122of the support base121to define an inclined sliding track (i.e., for lifting) in a longitudinal and backward direction (i.e., in the direction from the first end111towards the second end112that corresponds to the opening direction of the zip fastener).

Preferably, the through hole132for housing the stop tooth213is arranged at the first stop portion130of the movable stop element210.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated and as explained above, the movable stop element210is maintained in its operative position by the action of its elastic portion214which exerts a force directed to push the stop tooth213towards one of the channels119,120, in particular towards the single channel120, through the hole132.

Preferably, the elastic portion214is an integral part of a suitably shaped coupling portion216and extends from the bridge-shaped structure of the movable stop element210at its first longitudinal end211(seeFIG.9).

In particular, the coupling portion216is configured to couple the movable stop element210to the first coupling portion126that is protruding from the support base121of the upper portion140of the slider body110.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the elastic portion214is conveniently formed by a flexible curved portion, preferably made of spring steel, of the coupling portion216, which portion joins the bridge-shaped structure of the movable stop element210with an abutment tooth215formed at a free end of the coupling portion216.

Preferably, the elastic portion214is configured to surround and cooperate in abutment relationship with the retaining portion128of the first coupling portion126of the slider body110to associate the movable stop element210with the latter such that the elastic portion214develops an elastic force on the bridge-shaped structure of the movable stop element210which is directed to maintain the latter in its operative position illustrated inFIG.12.

In this position, the stop tooth213is pushed towards one of the channels119;120, in particular towards the single channel120thanks to the cooperation of the elastic portion214with the coupling portion126that protrudes from the support base121.

More particularly, thanks to such a cooperation, a rotation hinge is defined between the movable stop element210and the slider body110which is configured to allow a rotation of the movable stop element210with respect to the slider body110around a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the sliding axis X of the slider1.

Preferably, the first coupling portion126protruding from the support base121and the second coupling portion216of the movable stop element210are housed in the cavity150of the protruding element114of the upper portion140of the slider body110.

In this way, as illustrated above, an advantageous protection is achieved of the mechanical components of the lock mechanism200which allow the rotation of the movable stop element210while preserving the operating reliability thereof over time.

In addition, the mechanical components of the lock mechanism200are also advantageously hidden from the user's view.

The movable stop element210is rotatable about the rotation axis of the rotation hinge with respect to the slider body110between its operative locking position of the sliding of the slider1(illustrated inFIG.12) and its non-operative releasing position of the sliding of the slider1(illustrated inFIG.13).

Preferably, the abutment tooth215of the movable stop element210engages the cavity129adjacent to the first coupling portion126to define a fixed abutment to the elastic portion214.

Preferably, the coupling portion216of the movable stop element210further comprises at least a second hooking portion217formed at the first end211of the movable stop element210and preferably extending, in the mounting configuration of the slider1, from the bridge-shaped structure of the movable stop element210towards the first end111of the slider body110(seeFIGS.9,12and13).

The coupling portion216preferably comprises a pair of such second hooking portions217.

Preferably, the elastic force developed thanks to the cooperation between the elastic portion214and the first coupling portion126that protrudes from the support base121is capable to keep the second hooking portions217of the movable stop element210within their own housing seats formed in the first hooking portions127of the slider body110.

Preferably, the movable stop element210comprises at least one longitudinally extending projection218, preferably a pair of longitudinally extending projections218, arranged at its second end212(seeFIG.9).

Said projection218cooperates with the at least one first stop portion130of the slider body110protruding from the support base121to stop the rotation of the movable stop element210around the rotation axis of the rotation hinge.

Preferably, the movable stop element210comprises two projections218, each of which cooperates with a respective first stop portion130of the slider body110.

As illustrated above, the movable stop element210comprises an abutment portion219.

Preferably, the abutment portion219is arranged between the at least one second hooking portion217and the at least one projection218(seeFIG.9).

Preferably, the abutment portion219is arranged at the ramp portion131of the slider body110.

Preferably, the ramp portion131extending from the support base121of the slider body110is received in a recess defined in the bridge-shaped structure of the movable stop element210between the projections218.

Preferably, the movable stop element210is housed in the cavity150, except for the stop tooth213that is inserted in the through hole132and for the abutment tooth215that may be partially inserted into the cavity129.

Preferably, the movable stop element210is made in a single piece.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the driving element250is conveniently substantially U-shaped and comprises two longitudinally extending arms251substantially parallel to each other and a joining section252extending between the parallel arms251.

Preferably, the parallel portions are oriented in the longitudinal direction.

Preferably, the joining section252is oriented in a transverse direction.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the engagement portion253of the driving element250is arranged at said joining section252and is even more preferably formed by a central portion of the joining section252.

Preferably, the driving element250is slidably mounted on the support base121and is movable in a longitudinal direction between an advanced position (illustrated inFIG.12), corresponding to the operative position of the movable stop element210of the lock mechanism200, and a retracted position (illustrated inFIG.13), corresponding to the non-operative position of the movable stop element210.

Preferably, the translation of the driving element250from the advanced position to the retracted position is directed in a longitudinal backward direction (i.e., in the direction from the first end111towards the second end112of the slider body110which corresponds to the opening direction of the zip fastener).

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the ramp portion131extending from the support base121of the upper portion140of the slider body110is housed in a space254defined between the arms251of the driving element250.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, also the second end212of the movable stop element210is similarly housed in the space254.

In this way, it is advantageously possible to achieve a correctly guided sliding movement of the driving element250in the longitudinal direction.

Preferably, the driving element250is housed in the cavity150of the protruding element114and the cavity150is configured to further guide the longitudinal sliding of the driving element250from the advanced position to the retracted position.

Preferably, the parallel sections251of the “U” shape are arranged so as to slide against respective longitudinal walls of the cavity150to guide this longitudinal sliding.

Preferably, the driving element250is configured to be moved:i) by the release button300(from the advanced position to the retracted position) in contrast to the elastic force exerted by the elastic portion214of the movable stop element210, andii) by the elastic portion214of the movable stop element210(from the retracted position to the advanced position) when the pressure action exerted by the user on the release button300ceases.

In particular, the elastic force exerted by the elastic portion214of the movable stop element210is capable to displace the movable stop element210from its non-operative position towards its operative position thereby causing the displacement of the abutment portion219towards the ramp portion131and a simultaneous displacement of the engagement portion253which slides on the sliding surface219athereof from the retracted position towards the advanced position.

Preferably, the stop tooth213of the movable stop element210is housed in the space254defined between the parallel arms251of the driving element250so as not to hinder the translation of the driving element250between the advanced position and the retracted position.

Preferably, the driving element250further comprises at least one abutment end255configured to abut against the rear wall152of the protruding element114so as to create an end-stop of the driving element250in the retracted position.

More preferably, the driving element250comprises two abutment ends255, each arranged at a longitudinal end of a respective parallel arm251of the “U” shape.

Preferably, the driving element250is made in a single piece.

As illustrated above, the release button300is movable between a non-operative position, corresponding to the operative position of the movable stop element210of the lock mechanism200, and an operative or pressed position, corresponding to the non-operative position of the movable stop element210.

Preferably, the release button300comprises a main body305.

As illustrated above, the release button300has a pressure portion310facing the opposite direction with respect to the pressure portion144of the upper portion140of the slider body110and is movable from its non-operative position to its operative position by a pressure of a first finger on the pressure portion310and a simultaneous and opposite pressure of a second finger on the pressure portion144.

Preferably, the pressure portion310is arranged on the main body305at a longitudinal end of the release button300.

Preferably, the pressure portion310is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The pressure portion310has a pressure surface onto which a user's fingertip can be placed to ergonomically press the release button300.

Preferably, this pressure surface has an extension equal to at least 10% of a normal fingertip, still more preferably equal to at least 20%. Still more preferably at least 30%.

In this way, the pressure portion310allows the release button300to be ergonomically pressed.

Preferably, the pressures of the first finger and of the second finger are oriented longitudinally, i.e., along the X axis, and have directions opposite to each other.

Preferably, the cavity150formed in the protruding element114of the upper portion140of the slider body110is configured to guide a sliding of the release button300between its non-operative position and its operative or pressed position.

Preferably, such a sliding is longitudinal.

Preferably, the release button300is arranged in abutment relationship against the driving element250so as to move the latter from its advanced position to its retracted position (and consequently, to move the movable stop element210from its operative position to its non-operative or raised position in contrast to the elastic force exerted by the elastic portion214) during the translation of the release button300from its non-operative position to its operative or pressed position.

Preferably, when the pressure portion310is not pressed, the release button300is moved from its operative position to the non-operative position by the force exerted by the elastic portion214of the movable stop element210which, as described above, causes the translation of the driving element250from the retracted position to the advanced position and a simultaneous rotation of the movable stop element210.

It should be recalled that the driving element250is in abutment against the release button300so that it causes a corresponding translation of the release button300from its operative or pressed position to its non-operative position.

Preferably, the release button300comprises a substantially fork-shaped end portion330comprising two arms320extending longitudinally and substantially parallel to each other (seeFIG.11).

In this preferred embodiment, the arms320of the release button300are arranged in abutment against the driving element250at respective longitudinal ends.

Preferably, the parallel arms320of the release button300are oriented in the longitudinal direction.

Conveniently, the parallel arms320therefore transmit motion in the longitudinal direction from the release button300to the driving element250of the movable stop element210.

In possible alternative embodiments, not illustrated, the parallel arms320may protrude from the driving element250to abut against the release button300(in which case the driving element250may have an “H” shape), or they may protrude both from the release button300towards the driving element250and from the driving element250towards the release button300so as to be arranged in mutual abutment.

Preferably, the second coupling portion216and the elastic portion214of the movable stop element210are arranged in a space321defined between the parallel arms320so as not to interfere with the translation of the release button300between the non-operative position and the operative or pressed position.

Preferably, the main body305of the release button300has a thickness measured in the vertical direction that is greater than that of the parallel arms320, preferably at least the double or triple.

In this way, it is advantageously possible both to confer adequate strength characteristics to the release button300in its part subjected to the pressing action of the user, and to create an extension of the pressure portion310sufficient to guarantee its ergonomics.

Preferably, the cavity150of the protruding element114comprises, at the driving opening151, an end portion having a dimension designed to house the main body305.

Preferably, the release button300is made in a single piece.

From what has been illustrated above, the operation of the slider1in the opening and closing operations of the zip fastener is quite evident and will not be repeated for economy of exposition.

It goes without saying that a person skilled in the art may make numerous modifications and variations to the above-described slider in order to meet specific and contingent requirements, all of which are within the scope of protection of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Thus, for example, in the slider1of the invention, a pull tab not configured to interact with the movable stop element210of the lock mechanism200may possibly be provided to meet particular application and/or aesthetic needs.

Such a possible pull tab could, for example, be associated with the upper portion140of the slider body110so as to facilitate, if desired, the displacement of the slider1in the zip closing direction, which displacement is not prevented as set forth further above by the lock mechanism200.