CN113329657A

CN113329657A - Metal integrated slider and slider for slide fastener

Info

Publication number: CN113329657A
Application number: CN201980071562.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: N·A·沙哈
Original assignee: Shah Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Shah Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2018-08-31
Filing date: 2019-08-28
Publication date: 2021-08-31
Also published as: JP2021534913A; CO2021003926A2; KR20210116420A; PH12021550405A1; WO2020047039A1; MX2021002353A; AU2019329962A1; EP3843581A1; EA202190639A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener. The east China assembly is formed in one die casting operation to include a slide (12) and a pull (14) formed simultaneously. The bridge (16) and portions of the pull member (14) are shaped to provide a first lateral pull angle when the pull member is mated with the first end (18) of the bridge and to provide a second lateral pull angle when the pull member is mated with the second end (20) of the bridge.

Description

Metal integrated slider and slider for slide fastener

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to slide fasteners and more particularly to a one-piece slider and pull for a slide fastener made of metal.

Background

A zipper or zipper fastener (formerly known as a hasp or zipper) is a common means for bonding the open edges of fabrics or other flexible materials (such as garments or bags) together. It is used in garments (e.g., jackets and jeans), luggage and other bags, sporting goods, camping gear, and other items.

Most zippers consist of two rows of protruding profiles that can be made to cross each other, link the two rows of protruding profiles together, and carry tens to hundreds of specially shaped metal or plastic profiles. These teeth may be single or formed from a continuous coil, also referred to as an element. The slider is operated by hand and moved along the row of teeth. Inside the slider is a Y-shaped channel that engages and disengages the opposing rows of teeth depending on the direction of slider movement.

Typically, zippers account for only a small fraction of the total cost of the product. However, if failed, the entire garment or apparatus may not be usable until the zipper is replaced or repaired. Problems are often found on the slider portion of the zipper. The slider is usually made of a slider part and a pull. The user grasps the pull pivotally connected to the slider and pushes or pulls the slider in one direction or the other to move the slider. Movement of the slider causes the teeth to engage or disengage each other as movement occurs. Sliders are typically manufactured to include one or more components to which a pull is subsequently assembled. The assembly of the pull to the slider is usually done by bending a bridge portion of the slider which is die cast with a gap to create an interlocking engagement between the two parts. Other methods require the assembly of additional bridge members that may be bent, overlapped or otherwise secured to the slider. However, these constructions are weak and easily break upon repeated use, resulting in the pull being separated from the slider.

It has been proposed in the past to form the slider and the pull in a single operation. However, the proposed method, apparatus and resulting zipper product cannot be produced or are industrially unacceptable when made of metal. Due to the rigid nature of metal, it has proven extremely difficult to manufacture metal slide assemblies having pull pieces that interlock with the bridge, which makes it difficult to withdraw the tool from around the formed part without changing the geometry of the part in an undesirable manner.

For example, U.S. patent 2,736,062 to Scheuermann et al discloses a method of molding a slider and drawing it together in a single operation. Scheuermann utilizes four slides that intersect at 45 degree angles relative to each other. The slider intersects at a bridge portion and a pull portion of the slider assembly, and the pull is at a perpendicular right angle with respect to the top surface of the slider. However, as shown in the figures, this approach requires that the inner surfaces of the tab and bridge include a 45 degree angle or similar angle that forms a sharp point along the inner surface. Sharp corners can cause stress to rise in the part, and sharp corners can wear away quickly, causing all surface coatings to wear away. This causes discoloration of the slider assembly and often corrosion of parts during the cleaning cycle. In addition, the modified geometry severely limits the movement of the retractor within the bridge by reducing the space in which the retractor must rotate and the slider within the bridge.

U.S. patent 5,604,962 to mayer hofer, 5,698,243 to Wakabayashi, 4,210,196 to Weiner, and uk patent 2,220,608 to Liso all show variations of the Scheuermann apparatus that all require an angle inside the bridge and a puller tool to retract the tool. Even if the angle is not described in all patents, the tool cannot be retracted through the hardened metal and must be there to be the tool functional.

U.S. patent No.2,509,278 to Scheuermann discloses a die that rotates a puller about its vertical axis in an attempt to eliminate angles on the inner surface of the puller ring. However, angles are still required on the inner surface of the bridge and it has proven to be too costly to produce tools with the precision required for the rotation of the puller about a vertical axis.

Minami et al, U.S. patent 4,790,973. Another method and apparatus for molding a slider assembly is disclosed. Minami first molded the slide and once the slide was cured, the core portion was retracted in a secondary molding operation to form the puller while the slide was still in the mold.

U.S. patent No.5,013,511 to Akashi discloses another method and apparatus for forming zipper slides from metal. The mingshe, like south, forms the slider part in a first operation and the pull in a second operation. However, the puller of Akashi includes a pin that engages the bridge of the slider, rather than a ring as disclosed in other prior art.

U.S. patent 4,985,969 to Terada et al. Another method and apparatus for forming a zipper slider assembly is disclosed. Terada in combination with the intermediate puller portion form the puller, and these two portions interlock with the pin member that is formed in the mold as a secondary operation.

Uk patent application No.2,289,917 to YKK corp discloses a lock slide assembly. YKK locking slide discloses forming the puller in a separate mold and placing the puller in an auxiliary mold, where the slide is formed around the pin portion of the puller to complete the assembly.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an apparatus and method for forming a slider in conjunction with a pull wherein the slider and the pull may be formed from metal without the need to change the geometry of the slider assembly, including the inner sloping surfaces in the bridge and the pull and tab shaped portions. There is also a need in the art for a slider and pull that allows for a greater degree of side-to-side movement between the slider and pull when operated in a first direction, and a more limited degree of side-to-side movement in a second direction to better accommodate user ergonomics and better operate the zipper.

The combined slider and pull assembly should meet the required ergonomic requirements for a slide fastener slider assembly to achieve end user satisfaction. This includes providing a slide bridge that includes an inner surface geometry that allows the pull member to move and rotate freely. Further, the zipper slider assembly should not require excessive strength to operate or include oversized components. Moreover, the zipper slider assemblies must be assembled together in a manner that does not detract from the aesthetic appearance of the completed zipper assembly or garment assembly. The slider assembly should accommodate side-to-side movement of the pull during closing of the slider assembly while limiting lateral movement during opening of the slider assembly to provide smoother operation and improved ergonomics during operation of the slider assembly.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a die cast zipper slider assembly formed in one operation that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art zipper slider assemblies formed in one or more operations. The zipper slider assembly of the present invention not only provides for relatively easy manufacturing, but also allows for the slider and pull to be manufactured together without the need for movement restrictions and failure prone angles on the inner surfaces of the bridge and tab. The present invention also provides a method of manufacture utilizing at least one side shift slider, thereby eliminating the need for a slider that interlocks at an angle and requires modification of part geometry to accommodate the slider angle.

Disclosure of Invention

Briefly stated, the present invention relates to a slider assembly for a slide fastener and a method for manufacturing a slide fastener slider assembly. The slider assembly is formed in one die casting operation to include the slider and the pull member formed simultaneously. The mould is provided with at least one side slide which allows the bridge and the tab to be formed with their full geometry without the converging flat surfaces required by the prior art. The slider assembly includes a puller having a geometry that allows side-to-side movement during a zipper tooth closing operation and limits side-to-side movement during zipper tooth opening to better accommodate user ergonomics and better direct applied force for smooth operation of the slider assembly on the tooth.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a slider assembly for a slide fastener, which includes a slider and a pulling piece, and is formed of metal in one operation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slider assembly comprising a slider and a pull which are die cast to include their full geometry without the need for converging inner surfaces as required by the prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slider assembly for a slide fastener including a closed tab and a closed bridge on the slider.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a slider assembly for slide fasteners, the method comprising at least one laterally moving slider for moving a tool around a portion of the formed slider assembly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a slider assembly for a slide fastener comprising two or more laterally moving sliders for moving a slider portion of a tool around a fixed geometry.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bridge and pull structure that provides a first lateral angular positioning of the pull when moving the slider in a first direction and a second lateral angular positioning when moving the slider in a second direction.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pull that includes a first amount of clearance between the slider and the bridge when the pull is positioned at a right angle relative to the bridge and a second amount of clearance between the slider and the bridge when the pull is positioned at another angle relative to the bridge.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are set forth by way of illustration and example. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain various objects and features thereof.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the die cast optimal position of the slider assembly.

Fig. 2 is a partial top view of the embodiment of fig. 1, showing a pull having a circular cross-section in the region of the bridge.

Fig. 3 is a partial top view of the embodiment of fig. 1 showing the closing of a die casting tool having at least one side shift slide.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment showing additional links formed between the slider and the pull of the slider assembly.

Fig. 5 is a side view showing an alternative embodiment with two bridges and two pull members on a single slider.

Fig. 6 is an end view showing an alternative embodiment with two bridges and two pull members on a single slider.

Fig. 7 is an end view showing an alternative embodiment with two bridges, two pull members and two intermediate links on a single slide.

Fig. 8 is a side view showing an alternative embodiment with two bridges, two pull members and two intermediate links on a single slide.

Fig. 9 is an isometric view showing a slider assembly that may be used with a dual zipper.

Fig. 10 is a partial front view showing the side-to-side angular movement of the pull relative to the slider when moving the slider assembly in the first direction.

Fig. 11 is a partial top view showing the angular movement of the pull relative to the slider.

Fig. 12A is a perspective view of the slider and shows the difference in thickness and shape of the sides of the bridge.

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12B-12B of FIG. 12A, illustrating a first cross-sectional profile of the bridge.

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12C-12C of FIG. 12A, illustrating a second cross-sectional profile of the bridge.

Fig. 13 is a partial side view showing the structure of the pull member providing different motions thereof.

Fig. 14A is a perspective view showing the positioning of the pull during the opening movement of the slider assembly.

Fig. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14B-14B of fig. 14A.

Detailed Description

While the present invention may be embodied 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. The invention is carried out in accordance with the specific embodiments shown in the drawings.

Referring generally to fig. 1-3, a slider assembly 10 for a slide fastener is shown. In its simplest form, the slider assembly 10 includes a slider 12 and a pull 14. The slide assembly 10 is preferably formed in a die casting machine (not shown) in one operation. The slider 12 is formed to include a bridge 16, the bridge 16 serving to position and hold the pull 14 in a manner that allows for rotation and some linear translation of the pull 14. The bridge 16 is also formed such that it does not include breaks or gaps that could weaken the bridge 16 and allow the pull 14 to be released. In particular, the bridge 16 includes a first end 18, a second end 20, and a central portion 22. Both the first end 18 and the second end 20 are integrally formed on a top surface 24 of the slider 12. The inner surface 26 of the bridge is formed to be substantially flat as it extends transversely from one side of the slider to the other, but may comprise any desired longitudinal profile 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 increase the strength and rigidity of the structure and to enhance aesthetics. The inner portion 32 of the slider 12 includes a splitter 34 that divides the inner portion 32 into a Y-shape so that a zipper (not shown) is engaged or disengaged, as known in patent document 1. In a preferred embodiment the slider 12 comprises an upper guide 72 and a lower guide 74 for guiding the zipper strips through the slider 12. The upper and

lower guides

72, 74 are separated from each other and secured together by the separator 34, the separator and the

guides

72, 74 being constructed and arranged to interlock the zipper when moved in a first direction and to unlatch the zipper strips when moved in a second direction. At least one guide wall 36 is integrally formed as part of the slider and in some embodiments, two guide walls 36 help guide the tooth as it passes through the slider assembly 12.

The pull member 14 is formed in position around the bridge 16 to include a loop portion 38. The annular portion 38 is integrally formed to the first tab 40 to eliminate cracking and separation of the two components during use. The annular portion 38 may comprise any desired geometry, which may include circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc., so long as the geometry is complete and does not require converging planar surfaces that are necessary to remove the tool from the formed part, as is seen in the prior art, during the manufacturing process. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the annular portion 38 is formed to be square in cross-section with a substantially flat inner ring surface 42, the inner ring surface 42 having inner corners 44 to provide the desired appearance and function to the entire slider assembly 10. Fig. 2 shows a slider assembly 10 having a ring portion 38, which ring portion 38 has a circular cross-section formed around the same or similar bridge structure as shown in fig. 1. In this embodiment, the geometry of the ring is completely formed and no release geometry is required for post-forming tool retraction.

Fig. 3 shows one embodiment for forming the pull 14 in place around the bridge 16. As shown, the tool includes at least one side shift slider 46. When the die-casting tool 50 is closed to form the slider 12 and the pull 14, the at least one side shift slider 46 and the at least one first insert 48 and one second insert 52 are areas under the insertion bridge 16. The insert 48 and side-shift slide 46 are first positioned along the insertion path so that side-shift can occur after the slide reaches its insertion depth. Next, once side-shift occurs, the second insert 52 is timed to be positioned in the mold adjacent to the side-shift slide 46. The rest of the mold may be closed before, after or simultaneously with the slide without departing from the scope of the invention. The other portions of the mold include mold portions that form the annular portion 38 and the remainder of the pull member 14. In the most preferred embodiment, the pull 14 is positioned to stand vertically with respect to the slide, as shown in fig. 1. It should be noted, however, that the pull may be rotated by utilizing a side shift slider. Different angles are provided depending on the angle required in the mold without departing from the scope of the invention. After forming the slide assembly 10 in the die casting mold, at least one side shift slide is configured to perform an orthogonal side shift after forming the slide assembly, the side shift having a length sufficient to clear the geometry of the ring portion 38 before the slide portion is retracted from the bridge 16.

Referring to fig. 4-8, the slider assembly 10 is shown, the slider assembly 10 further including a connecting link 54 positioned and formed between the pull 14 and the slider 12. The connecting link 54 is formed as a continuous member that extends around the bridge 16 and the ring portion 38 that connects the bridge 16 to the pull 14. The connecting link 54 is formed using a side shift slide in the same manner as the annular portion 38 of the pull member 14.

Referring to fig. 5-8, a slider assembly 10 is shown having pull members 14 molded on each side of the slider assembly. In this embodiment, the slider 12 includes a bottom surface 25 including a second bridge 56, the second bridge 56 having a first end 58 and a second end 60, both integrally formed on the bottom surface 25. The inner surface 62 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 annular portion 68 and a second protrusion 70. The second annular portion 68 is formed as a continuous ring around the second bridge 56 and is integrally formed to the second boss 70. In this embodiment the slide 12 and said

pull

14, 64 are formed in one go in the die casting tool 50. The die casting tool has at least one side shift slide 46 forming a portion of each of the

inner surfaces

26, 62 of the first and

second bridges

16, 56 and a lower portion of the

annular portion

38, 68 of each

pull member

14, 64, each at least one side shift slide 46 configured for orthogonal movement relative to its insertion path.

Referring to fig. 9, a two strand slide assembly 80 is shown. In this embodiment the slider 12 comprises an upper guide 72, a middle guide 76 and a lower guide 74 for guiding a first zipper (not shown) and a second zipper (not shown) through the slider 12. The upper guide 72 and the middle guide 76 are separated and fixed together by the first separator 34, and the middle guide 76 and the lower guide 74 are separated and fixed together by the second separator 35. The

separators

34, 35 and guides 72, 76, 74 are constructed and arranged to interlock a first zipper and a second zipper (not shown) when moved in a first direction and to disengage the first zipper and the second zipper when moved in a second direction. This embodiment can be used for the same or different zippers as the first to second zippers. This embodiment is suitable for waterproof zippers and the like, where one zipper provides fastening and the second zipper provides waterproofing.

Referring to fig. 1 and 10-14, an alternative embodiment of a slider assembly for a slide fastener is shown. The slider assembly includes a slider 12 constructed and arranged to open and close a zipper (not shown). The zipper may be of any type known in the art, including a coil or individual link members. The slider 12 includes a top surface 24 including a bridge 16, the bridge 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20 integrally formed to the top surface 24. A bridge surface 26 extending transversely across the bridge 16. The first end 18 of the bridge 16 includes a first cross-sectional profile 82 and the second end 20 includes a second cross-sectional profile 84; the second end 20 has a second cross-sectional profile 84. The area of the second cross-sectional profile is smaller than the area of the first cross-sectional profile. The pull member 14 includes an annular portion 38 and a first protrusion 40. The annular portion 38 is formed in a continuous ring shape around the bridge 16, and integrally forms a first projection 40. The annular portion cooperates with the bridge cross-sections 12B, 12C to form a first lateral side corner 94 when the pull member 14 cooperates with the first end 18 of the bridge 16, see FIG. 10. When the pull member 14 is mated with the second end 20 of the bridge 16, a second lateral pull angle 96 is formed, see figure 11,

the ring portion 38 of the pull member 14 includes a pull member stem 86 and a pair of arms 88 extending between the tab portion 40 and the pull member stem 86. The pull rod 86 includes a pull rod thickness 90 and a pull rod width 92, see fig. 13. In at least one embodiment, the thickness and width of the pull rod are the same or substantially the same. For the purposes of this application, "substantially" means within manufacturing tolerances. However, in the preferred embodiment, the pull rod thickness 90 is greater than the pull rod width 92. This configuration has several advantages over the prior art. This structure controls the movement of the pull 14 relative to the slider 12 to better direct the force to open or close the zipper or zippers in a smoother manner. This configuration also provides for comfortable ergonomics for the user by varying the left and right angle of the pull 14 relative to the slide 12. If the zipper can be freely opened or closed, the pull 14 can be placed at the center or first end of the bridge 16 where the left and right angles can be pulled to the maximum extent. The user is allowed maximum freedom in applying force in an arc, angle, etc. when moving the pull tab to the second end of the bridge, which limits the movement of the pull tab to better direct the force into alignment with the zipper. This configuration provides a better feeling product for the consumer and automatically directs the force to the force required to operate the zipper based on the force required to immediately open or close the zipper. By controlling the thickness of the pull rod 86 to adjust the gap between the bottom surfaces of the bridge 16, a structure is provided that allows for control of the movement of the pull member relative to the slider. The pull rod 86 may have a thickness 90 that is substantially the same as the distance between the top surface 24 of the slider 12 and the inner surface 26 of the bridge 16. Alternatively, the thickness may be 75% of the distance between the top surface 24 of the slider 12 and the inner surface 26 of the bridge 16. Additionally, the pull rod 86 includes a width 92. The width 92 of the pull rod 86 may be 25% or less thinner than the thickness. This configuration allows the pull 14 to move more or less from side to side depending on the rotation angle of the pull relative to the slider 12. In this way, the pull 14 is lowered more to be parallel to the top surface of the slide 12, the more the side to side movement is restricted, resulting in more force being directed onto the slide. The slider 12 is moved in the direction desired by the user. This configuration may be employed regardless of the overall shape of the annular portion 38. Thus, the shape of the annular portion 38 may be, but is not limited to, polygonal, circular, or elliptical.

The slider assembly 10 for a slide fastener may further include a connecting link 54 positioned and formed between the pull 14 and the slider 12. Preferably, the connecting link 54 is formed as a continuous, uninterrupted member that extends around the bridge 16 and the connecting link annular portion 38 that connects the bridge 16 to the pull 14. In the preferred embodiment, the connecting link 54 is configured similarly to the pull 14 described above, wherein the loop portion 38 of the connecting link 54 includes a pull rod 86 and a pair of pull rods 86. An arm 88 extends between the pull member 14 and the pull member rod 86. The pull rod 86 has a pull rod thickness 90 and a pull rod width 92. The puller rod thickness 90 and puller rod width 92 can be varied as described above to control the movement of the connecting link 54.

Refer to fig. 1 to 4. In fig. 1-14, it should be noted that the pull or slider may include indicia 78 in the form of a logo, graphic, character, etc., which indicia 78 is integrally formed as part of the slider assembly. This also includes, but is not limited to, serial numbers, lot numbers, part numbers, patent numbers, trademarks, and the like. It should also be noted that the present embodiment is specifically directed to forming the slider assembly 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 the 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 shown, the invention is not 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.

Those 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 presently represent preferred embodiments, are intended as examples and are not intended to limit the scope. Modifications 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. While the invention has been described in connection with certain 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.

Claims

1. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener comprising:

a slider (12) configured and arranged to open and close the zipper, said slider (12) comprising a top surface (24) including a bridge (16) having a first end (18) portion, and a second end (20) integrally formed on said top surface (24), an inner surface (26) of said bridge extending transversely across said bridge (16), said first end (18) having a first cross-sectional profile (82), said second end (20) having a second cross-sectional profile (84) having an area less than said first cross-sectional profile;

a pull (14) having an annular portion (38) and a first protrusion (40), the annular portion (38) being formed as a continuous ring around the bridge (16) and being integrally formed to the first protrusion (40), the annular portion cooperating with a cross-section of the bridge such that when the pull (14) is cooperating with the first end (18) of the bridge, the pull (14) has a first lateral pull angle (94), and when the pull (14) is cooperating with the second end (20) of the bridge (16), the pull (14) has a second lateral pull angle (96).

2. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein the loop portion (38) of said pull (14) includes a pull rod (86) and a pair of arms (88) extending between said boss (40) and said pull rod (86), said pull rod having a pull rod thickness (90) and a pull rod width (92), said pull rod thickness (90) being the same as said pull rod width (92).

3. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pull bar thickness (90) is greater than said pull bar width (92).

4. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 3 wherein the puller rod thickness (90) is substantially the same as the distance between the top surface (24) of the slider (12) and the inner surface (26) of the bridge (16).

5. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 3 wherein the pull rod thickness (90) is greater than 90% of the distance between the top surface (24) of the slider (12) and the inner surface (26) of the bridge (16).

6. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 3 wherein the pull rod thickness (90) is greater than 75% of the distance between the top surface (24) of the slider (12) and the inner surface (26) of the bridge (16).

7. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 3 wherein said pull bar thickness (90) is at least 10% greater than said pull bar width (92).

8. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 3 wherein said pull rod thickness (90) is at least 25% greater than said pull rod width (92).

9. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 3 wherein the cross-section of the annular portion (38) of the pull (14) is substantially circular.

10. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 3 wherein said loop portion (38) of the pull (14) is generally rectangular in cross-section.

11. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 3 wherein the cross-section of the loop portion (38) of the pull (14) is polygonal.

12. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 1 wherein the slider assembly (10) further comprises a connecting link (54) positioned and formed between the pull (14) and the slider (12), the connecting link (54) being formed as a continuous member extending around the bridge (16) and the connecting link loop portion (38), connecting the bridge (16) to the pull (14).

13. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 12 wherein the loop portion (38) of the connecting link (54) includes a pull rod (86) and a pair of arms (88) extending between the boss (40) and the pull rod (86), the pull rod having a pull rod thickness (90) and a pull rod width (92), the pull rod thickness (90) being the same as the pull rod width (92).

14. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 13 wherein said pull rod thickness (90) is greater than said pull rod width (92).

15. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 14 wherein said pull rod thickness (90) is at least 10% greater than said pull rod width (92).