CN114555489A

CN114555489A - Replaceable closure system for flexible panels

Info

Publication number: CN114555489A
Application number: CN202080072522.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·R·弗森
Original assignee: JHRG LLC
Current assignee: JHRG LLC
Priority date: 2019-09-06
Filing date: 2020-09-04
Publication date: 2022-05-27
Also published as: US20210070540A1; EP4025523A4; WO2021046333A1; EP4025523A1

Abstract

A zipper closure for a panel includes a retainer and a first zipper. The retainer includes an attachment tab, a first wing, and a second wing. The attachment tab is configured to attach to the panel. The first wing portion includes a first fixed portion and the second wing portion includes a second fixed portion opposite the first fixed portion. The first zipper comprises a chain and a zipper strip. The fastener tape extends in a direction away from the chain and includes a first surface having a third fastener portion attached thereto, and a second surface opposite the first surface having a fourth fastener portion attached thereto. The fourth securing portion is engaged with the first securing portion and the third securing portion is engaged with the second securing portion such that the first zipper is releasably secured to the retainer.

Description

Replaceable closure system for flexible panels

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims benefit and priority from U.S. patent application No.62/896780 (filed 2019, 9, 6), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of transportation, and more particularly to cargo containers for aircraft. More particularly, the present invention relates to a replaceable closure system for a flexible panel of the container.

Background

Cargo is usually transported in containers (e.g. unit loaders ULD) which are loaded in cargo holds under the deck of a passenger aircraft or under and above the deck of a transport aircraft. The size and shape of the ULD varies depending on the type of aircraft in use. Generally, regardless of the shape or geometry of the container, the cargo container is open at one end or side for loading and unloading cargo. Various door closures have been used to open and close the open end of such containers. One type of closure is a rigid door closure that covers an opening to reduce tampering, prevent the loss of small items, and prevent exposure of the cargo to dirt, moisture, and ultraviolet light. Another type of closure includes a fabric closure or curtain. In all aircraft, the overall weight of the aircraft is an important factor due to fuel costs. Even a slight reduction in weight is important and therefore fabric doors are generally preferred.

Curtain closures for air cargo containers serve several purposes. Primarily, the closure member retains cargo contained within the air cargo container and reduces unwanted intrusion into the air cargo container. Curtain closure members have been modified to increase the strength of the curtains by using high tenacity fibers to form them. These curtains have the effect of reducing maintenance costs, since curtains with high tenacity fibers can resist damage from the rough handling common to air cargo containers. In particular, sliding cargo within the container is less likely to puncture the high tenacity curtain. Moreover, curtains made of high tenacity fibers may resist puncture from cargo handling equipment (e.g., forklifts).

To further improve performance and reduce wear of the curtain, curtains for air cargo containers have been coated, laminated or impregnated with materials such as Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) to make the fabric curtain substantially waterproof and more resistant to oil, gasoline and other chemicals that may be present in airports or other transportation environments. Even further performance improvements can be achieved.

One closure system for a fabric door is a zipper that extends along opposite edges of the fabric door. Typically, the tape width of the zipper is sewn along the edge of the fabric door from which the zipper chain extends. This configuration enables the stringers of the zipper to flex with the fabric door and be secured to the opposing stringers of the zipper to secure the edges of the fabric door to the opposing edges of the fabric door. In case the zipper chain is damaged, the tape width of the zipper must be disassembled in order to be removed from the fabric door and a new zipper is installed by sewing the tape width of the new zipper on the edge of the fabric door. The process of disassembling the strip width and sewing a new strip width over the edge of the fabric door is tedious and time consuming.

There is a continuing need for improved systems that enable the zipper along the edge of a flexible door or panel to be replaced.

Disclosure of Invention

In an embodiment of the present invention, a zipper closure for a panel includes a retainer and a first zipper. The retainer includes an attachment tab, a first wing, and a second wing. The attachment tab is configured to attach to the panel. The first wing extends in a direction away from the attachment tab and includes a first securing portion. The second wing extends in a direction away from the attachment tab and includes a second securing portion opposite the first securing portion. The first zipper comprises a chain and a zipper strip. The stringers are configured to selectively interlock with opposing stringers of opposing zippers. The fastener tape extends in a direction away from the chain and includes a first surface having a third fastener portion attached thereto, and a second surface opposite the first surface having a fourth fastener portion attached thereto. The fourth securing portion is engaged with the first securing portion and the third securing portion is engaged with the second securing portion such that the first zipper is releasably secured to the retainer.

In an embodiment, the first and second fixing portions comprise a first component of a two-component fastening system and the third and fourth fixing portions comprise a second component of the two-component fastening system. The first component may be a plurality of hooks and the second component may be a plurality of loops. The first component may be a plurality of mushroom hooks.

In some embodiments, the retainer is formed from a continuous textile element. The retainer may comprise a continuous first fixing strip comprising a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion. The first fixed portion may be attached to the first wing portion and the second fixed portion may be attached to the second wing portion. The first fixing strip may include a central fixing portion between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion. The first securing portion may be folded over the end of the fastener strip.

In some embodiments, the first zipper comprises a continuous second fastening strip comprising a third fastening portion and a fourth fastening portion. The second fixing strip may include a central fixing portion between the third fixing portion and the fourth fixing portion. A second fastener strip may be folded over the end of the fastener strip.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a cargo container includes a plurality of panels, a curtain, and a zipper closure. The plurality of panels define a cargo opening, the curtain associated with a closed configuration in which the curtain closes the cargo opening and an open configuration in which an interior of the cargo container is accessible through the cargo opening. The zipper closure has a closed configuration corresponding to the closed configuration of the curtain and includes a retainer and a first zipper. The retainer includes an attachment tab that attaches to the first edge of the shade. The first wing portion extends in a direction away from the first edge of the curtain and includes a first fixed portion. The second wing extends in a direction away from the first edge of the curtain and includes a second fixed portion opposite the first fixed portion. The first zipper includes a first stringer and a first zipper strip. The first stringer is configured to selectively interlock with a second stringer of a second zipper. The first fastener strip extends in a direction away from the first stringer and has a first surface including a third portion attached thereto, the first fastener strip also having a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface including a fourth securing portion attached thereto. The fourth fastening portion is engaged with the first fastening portion and the third fastening portion is engaged with the second engaging portion such that the first zipper is releasably secured to the first edge of the shade.

In an embodiment, the curtain comprises flexible panels and side strips. The first edge may extend along the flexible panel opposite the second edge of the side bar. The zipper closure may include a second zipper having a second stringer and a second zipper strip. The second stringer may be configured to selectively interlock with the first stringer of the first zipper. The second zipper strip may extend in a direction away from the second link and toward the second edge of the side strip. The second zipper strip may be secured to a second edge of the side strip.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a zipper closure for a flexible panel includes a retainer and a zipper. The retainer is configured to attach to the flexible panel and includes a first wing and a second wing. The first wing portion includes a first securing surface opposite a second securing surface of the second wing portion. The zipper comprises a chain and a zipper tape. The stringers are configured to selectively interlock with opposing stringers of opposing zippers. The fastener tape extends in a direction away from the chain and includes a third fixing surface and a fourth fixing surface opposite the third fixing surface. The fastener strip is disposed between the first and second wing portions of the retainer such that the third securing surface is releasably engaged with the first engagement surface and the fourth securing surface is releasably engaged with the second engagement surface. The first wing portion and the second wing portion can be folded over the zipper strip such that the zipper strip can be rolled within the retainer.

In an embodiment, the first and second fixation surfaces comprise a first component of a two-component fastening system, and the third and fourth fixation surfaces comprise a second component of the two-component fastening system. The first component may be a plurality of hooks and the second component may be a plurality of loops. Alternatively, the first component may be a plurality of mushroom hooks and the second component may be a plurality of loops. The zipper is removable from the retainer when the retainer is attached to the flexible panel.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of replacing a zipper of a cargo container comprises: removing the first zipper from the retainer and securing the second zipper within the retainer. Removing the first zipper from the holder may include: the first wing of the retainer is peeled away from the first side of the fastener strip of the first zipper such that the first part of the two-part fastener attached to the first wing is disengaged from the second part of the two-part fastener attached to the first side of the fastener strip. Removing the first zipper further comprises: a second wing of the retainer is peeled away from a second side of the fastener strip of the first zipper opposite the first side to disengage a first component of the two-component fastener attached to the second wing from a second component of the two-component fastener attached to the second side of the fastener strip. The fixing of the second zipper includes: causing the second part of the two-part fastener attached on the third side of the fastener strip of the second zipper to engage with the first part of the two-part fastener attached on the second wing and causing the second part of the two-part fastener attached on the fourth side of the fastener strip of the second zipper to engage with the first part of the two-part fastener attached on the first wing of the retainer. The fourth side of the zipper strip of the second zipper is opposite the third side of the zipper strip of the second zipper.

In an embodiment, the method includes removing the first zipper from the retainer, and securing the second zipper within the retainer includes attaching the retainer to a flexible panel used to close a cargo opening of the cargo container. The removing operation may further comprise separating a first stringer of the first zipper from an opposing stringer of the opposing zipper, and the securing operation may comprise interlocking a second stringer of the second zipper with the opposing stringer of the opposing zipper.

Moreover, to the extent consistent, any aspect described herein may be used in combination with any or all other aspects described herein.

Drawings

Various aspects of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cargo container including an embodiment of a zipper closure provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cargo container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the zipper closure of FIG. 1, with the zipper of the zipper closure secured within the retainer of the zipper closure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the zipper closure of FIG. 3 with the wings of the retainer disengaged from the zipper;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the zipper of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the retainer of FIG. 3; and

fig. 9 is a flowchart of a method of replacing a zipper according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in the various views. These exemplary embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Features from one embodiment or aspect may be combined with features from any other embodiment or aspect in any suitable combination. For example, any individual or common feature of an aspect or embodiment of a method can be applied to an aspect or embodiment of a device, product or assembly, and vice versa. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and the like include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, although quantitative measurements, values, geometric relationships, and the like may be referred to herein, unless otherwise indicated, any one or more (when not all) of these may be absolute or approximate in order to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as due to manufacturing or engineering tolerances, and the like.

The phrase "unit load device" as used in the specification and the appended claims is also referred to as an "air cargo container" and is defined as a container for loading luggage, cargo, mail, etc. on wide-body aircraft and some special narrow-body aircraft.

Referring now to fig. 1, an air cargo container or ULD (or simply, container) 100 includes a zipper closure system 10 provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The container 100 may include a frame 102, the frame 102 having a generally rectangular shape with an offset designed to more closely follow the contour of the lower half of the aircraft. The container 100 may also include a cargo opening defined by a portion of the frame 102. The frame 102 may be formed from any substantially rigid material, such as aluminum, steel, composite materials, heat resistant plastics, and other metals and non-metals.

The frame 102 may support a plurality of panels 104 forming walls and optionally support the top and bottom panels of the container 100. In some embodiments, the panels 104 may be constructed together, thereby eliminating a separate frame. The panels 104 may be composite panels at least because of their light weight, thermal insulation, and high strength characteristics. Alternatively, the panel 104 may also comprise aluminum, aluminum/thermoplastic polycarbonate (Lexan) composite, mesh, fabric, or some other lightweight material. The cargo opening may be substantially sealed and selectively closed by a door, referred to herein as a curtain 106, to reflect the flexible nature of the door in accordance with the present invention. Curtain 106 includes a central panel 107 and side strips 108 with zipper closure system 10 therebetween. Zipper closure system 10 is configured to selectively secure central panel 107 and side strips 108 together to secure drape 106 in a closed configuration, as shown in fig. 1. For additional details of exemplary cargo containers and curtains that do not include zipper closure system 10 as the subject of the present invention, reference may be made to U.S. patent nos. 6755232, 7311216, 7828029, 9174796 and 9834374 and U.S. patent application publication No.2017/0096295, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to fig. 2, zipper closure system 10 includes a first zipper 20, a second zipper 30, and a slider 40. The first zipper 20 is secured to an edge of the central panel 107 of the curtain 106 and the second zipper 30 is secured to the side strips 108 of the curtain 106. The slider 40 is configured to translate between the first zipper 20 and the second zipper 30 to interlock or separate the first stringer 24 of the first zipper 20 from the second stringer 34 of the second zipper 30. When first stringer 24 is interlocked with second stringer 34, zipper closure system 10 is in a closed configuration in which the edge of central panel 107 is secured to side strip 108 along substantially the entire length of side strip 108. When the first and second stringers 24, 34 are separated, the zipper closure system 10 is in an open configuration wherein the edges of the central panel 107 are released from the side strips 108, thereby allowing access to the interior of the cargo container 100 through the cargo opening of the cargo container 100.

Although zipper closure system 10 is shown between central panel 107 and side strips 108, zipper closure system 10 may be positioned anywhere along the flexible panel. For example, zipper closure system 10 may extend from the top center to the bottom center of the flexible panel with the open edges of the flexible panel forming a T-shape. Such T-shaped openings are disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 8479801 and 9174797, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to fig. 3-5, zipper closure system 10 includes a retainer 50 secured to central panel 107 and configured to releasably secure first zipper 20 therein. The retainer 50 includes an attachment tab 52, a first or outboard wing 54, a second or inboard wing 56, and a first securing bar 58. The terms "inside" and "outside" as used herein are relative terms and refer to either the inside or the outside of the cargo container 100 (fig. 1) when the curtain 106 (fig. 1) is in the closed configuration.

The attachment tab 52 extends away from the first zipper 20 in a direction toward the edge of the central panel 107 and attaches to the edge of the central panel 107 adjacent the side strip 108 (fig. 2). The attachment tabs 52 may be sewn to the edges of the central panel 107 to attach the retainer 50 to the central panel 107. In some embodiments, the retainers 50 may be replaced by detaching the attachment tabs 52 and sewing a new retainer over the edge of the center panel 107. In certain embodiments, the attachment tabs 52 may be welded to the edges of the central panel 107. In certain embodiments, the retainer 50 may be integral with the central panel 107.

The attachment tab 52, the outboard wing portion 54, and the inboard wing portion 56 may be formed from a single piece of material that is folded and sewn along the attachment tab 52 to form the retainer 50. In some embodiments, the retainer 50 is formed from two pieces of material that are sewn together along the attachment tabs 52 in order to attach the two pieces of material together to form the retainer 50. In a particular embodiment, when the retainer 50 is formed from two pieces of material, the two pieces of material are sewn together with the edge of the central panel 107 disposed between the two pieces of material such that the central panel 107 is sandwiched between the two pieces of fabric forming the attachment tabs 52. In some embodiments, the attachment tab 52 may be formed from one or two pieces of fabric and each

wing portion

54, 56 may be formed from a single piece of fabric, or each wing portion is formed from one piece of fabric and the attachment tab 52 is sewn onto the

wing portions

54, 56 in order to attach the attachment tab 52 to the

wing portions

54, 56 to form the retainer 50.

The outboard and

inboard wings

54 and 56 each extend away from the attachment tab 52 in a direction away from the central panel 107 and toward the side bars 108, with the inner surface 54a of the outboard wing 54 opposing the outer surface 56b of the inboard wing 56. The inner surface 54a of the outboard wing 54 includes a first portion 58a of a first securing bar 58 and the outer surface 56b of the inboard wing 56 includes a second portion 58b of the securing bar 58. The first and

second portions

58a, 58b may be attached to the respective surfaces (e.g., the inner surface 54a or the outer surface 56b) by mechanical means (e.g., stitching or using fasteners) or by bonding (e.g., chemical adhesives) or welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding). First portion 58a and second portion 58b may each be part of a hook and loop fastening system, wherein first portion 58a and second portion 58b are each the same component, such as a hook or a loop, such that first portion 58a and second portion 58b do not securely engage each other. As shown, the first portion 58a and the second portion 58b are both part of a continuous first securing strip 58, the first securing strip 58 being folded about the attachment tab 52 and attached to the inner surface 54a and the outer surface 56 b. A central portion of the first securing bar 58 between the first portion 58a and the second portion 58b may not be attached to either the first wing 54 or the second wing 56. In some embodiments, first portion 58a and second portion 58b may be separate fixation strips that are each attached to a respective surface, such as inner surface 54a or outer surface 56 b.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, the first zipper 20 includes a first zipper strip 22, a first zipper chain 24, and a second fastener strip 28. First zipper strip 22 is a flexible web that extends from first zipper chain 24 in a direction toward central panel 107 (fig. 2). First zipper stringer 28 is opposite second zipper 30 (FIG. 2) and is configured to selectively interlock with second zipper stringer 38 of second zipper 30 to selectively close zipper closure system 10. The second fastening strip 28 has a third or inner portion 28a and a fourth or outer portion 28 b. The second fastener strip 28 is folded or rolled over the end of the first fastener strip 22 opposite the fastener chain 24, with the third portion 28a attached to the inner surface 22a of the first fastener strip 22 and the fourth portion 28b attached to the outer surface 22b of the first fastener strip 22. The third and

fourth portions

28a, 28b may be attached to the respective surface (e.g., the inner surface 22a or the outer surface 22b) by mechanical means (e.g., stitching or using fasteners) or by bonding (e.g., chemical adhesives) or welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding). The third portion 28a and the fourth portion 28b may each be one component of a hook and loop fastening system, wherein the third portion 28a and the fourth portion 28b are each the same component, such as a hook or a loop, and are opposite the components of the first portion 58a and the second portion 58b, such that the third portion 28a and the fourth portion 28b each securely engage one of the first portion 58a or the second portion 58 b. As shown, the third portion 28a and the fourth portion 28b are both part of a continuous second fastener strip 28, the second fastener strip 28 being folded over the first fastener strip 22 and attached to the inner surface 22a and the outer surface 22b of the first fastener strip 22. The central portion of the second fastening strip 28 between the third portion 28a and the fourth portion 28b may not be attached to the first zipper tab 22. In some embodiments, the third portion 28a and the fourth portion 28b can be separate fastener strips that are each attached to a respective surface of the first fastener strip 22, such as the inner surface 22a or the outer surface 22 b.

The first and second fixing strips 58, 28 form a two-part fastening system. For example, the first securing strip 58 may include a plurality of hooks and the second securing strip 28 may include a plurality of loops such that when a portion of the first securing strip 58 (e.g., the first portion 58a or the second portion 58b) engages a portion of the second securing strip 28 (e.g., the third portion 28a or the fourth portion 28b), the portions of the first securing strip 58 and the second securing strip 28 are secured to one another. The two-part fastening system formed by the first and second fastening strips 58, 28 may be an industrial strength fastening system configured to provide greater resistance to separation once the portions are engaged with one another. The plurality of hooks may be in a high shear, semi-permanent hook configuration. Multiple hooks may be required to carry the high loads imposed on the curtain 106 due to the moving loads within the container 100. The semi-permanent hook configuration may reduce separation in use and may deter unauthorized removal, for example in response to theft or vandalism. For example, the plurality of hooks may be a plurality of mushroom hooks that provide high peel strength and high shear strength. In an embodiment, the plurality of hooks may be comprised of

Provided with

87S or a mushroom hook provided by Paiho North America, and the plurality of loops may be

1000。

As shown, the first securing strip 58 is folded or rolled over the second securing strip 28 such that the first securing strip 58 engages the inner third portion 28a and the outer fourth portion 28b of the second securing strip 28. By joining the third and

fourth portions

28a, 28b, the strength of the joint between the first and second fixing strips 58, 28 is greater than the strength of the joint between the individual portions of the first and second fixing strips 58, 28 of the same length. For example, the peel strength of the first and second fastening strips 58, 28 may beAt greater than 2 lb/linear inch or greater than 3 lb/linear inch, and the shear strength of first and second fastening strips 58, 28 may be greater than 20lb/in²Or greater than 40lb/in². Additionally, the possibility of accidental separation between the first and second fastener strips 58, 28 is reduced by joining the inner third portion 28a and the outer fourth portion 28b of the second fastener strip 28, such as by pulling the center panel material 107 outwardly when the zipper closure system 10 is in the closed configuration as shown in fig. 2.

In use of a cargo container (e.g., cargo container 100), a zipper closure system (e.g., zipper closure system 10) may be used to close and/or seal an open end of the cargo container by securing a panel (e.g., center panel 100) in a closed configuration. However, the cargo container or its components may be damaged when loading and unloading the cargo container into the vehicle and during the loading and unloading of the cargo container itself. For example, a forklift may strike the cargo container, or the cargo container may fall. When the cargo container is damaged, the components of the cargo container may need to be replaced before the cargo container is returned to service. Previously, when the zipper of a zipper closure system was damaged, the zipper had to be disassembled and re-seamed in order to replace the zipper. The process of separating and sewing the zipper to the panel is time consuming and expensive. Furthermore, downtime of cargo containers can be expensive, causing flight delays when replacement cargo containers are not readily available, or causing cargo to miss flights.

A method of replacing the zipper of a cargo container 700 will now be described with reference to fig. 9 in accordance with the present invention with reference to the cargo container 100 and zipper closure system 10 of fig. 1-8. The method 700 enables the zipper of a cargo container to be quickly replaced without the need to disassemble and re-sew a new zipper. Zipper closure system 10 may allow at least five changes of the zipper over the life of the container or curtain without replacing first fastener strip 58. Additionally, method 700 can be accomplished without additional equipment (e.g., a sewing machine). Accordingly, the method 700 may reduce the costs associated with replacing the zipper of the cargo container and/or reduce the maintenance time required to replace the zipper of the cargo container.

First, the center panel 107 of the cargo container 100 having a damaged zipper (e.g., first zipper 20) is in a closed configuration, wherein the slider 40 of the zipper closure system 10 is adjacent the bottom edge of the cargo container 100. The slider 40 may be slid along the first zipper 20 to the upper edge of the cargo container 100 to separate the first zipper 20 from the second zipper 30, or the slider 40 may be held near the bottom edge of the cargo container 100 while the first zipper 20 is released from the central panel 107.

The first zipper 20 is released from the central panel 107 by removing the first zipper 20 from the retainer 50. To remove the first zipper 20 from the holder 50, the first wing 54 is separated from the zipper strip 22 by peeling the first portion 58a of the first fastener strip 58 away from the fourth portion 28b of the second fastener strip 28, as shown in FIG. 5 (step 710). To remove the first zipper 20 from the holder 50, the second wing 56 must also be separated from the zipper strip 22 by peeling the second portion 58b of the first fastener strip 58 away from the third portion 28a of the second fastener strip 28 to separate the second wing 56 from the zipper strip 22 (step 720). The peeling of the first portion 58a from the fourth portion 28b (step 710) and the peeling of the second portion 58b from the third portion 28a (step 720) may occur in any order or simultaneously. However, the strength of the bond between the first and second fastening strips 58, 28 and/or the winding geometry of the first and second fastening strips 58, 28 may make it more practical to peel these portions sequentially than simultaneously. In addition, a tool (not shown) may be used to help peel the portions away from each other. For example, the tool may be a thin flat rigid plastic sheet that slides between the engaging portions (e.g., between the first portion 58a and the fourth portion 28b) to separate the portions from each other and prevent the portions from re-engaging each other.

With the first and second securing strips 58, 28 separated from each other, the fastener strip 22 is separated from the retainer 50 and the central panel 107 of the curtain 106. With the fastener strips 22 separated from the retainer 50, the first zipper 20 can be removed from the drape 106 (step 730). When the fastener strips 22 are separated from the retainer 50 and the first stringer 24 of the first zipper 20 is interlocked with the second stringer 34 of the second zipper 30, the slider 40 slides to the top edge of the cargo receptacle 100 until the first stringer 24 is separated from the second stringer 34.

With the first zipper 20 removed from the drape 106, a new zipper may be secured to the retainer 50 for replacement of the first zipper 20. The new zipper (for the remainder of the description of method 700, will be referred to as first zipper 20, so as to be consistent with the figures) is secured to holder 50 by engaging first and second fastener strips 58, 28 with one another. Specifically, the zipper strip 22 of the first zipper 20 is positioned adjacent the retainer 50. The zipper tape 22 may be trimmed to shorten the first zipper 20 to the length of the retainer 50. By having a trimmable replacement zipper, it may allow for a reduction in the number of parts in stock at a repair facility in order to accommodate a wider range of cargo containers. Reducing inventory components may reduce the total number of components in inventory and maintenance costs.

With the fastener strip 22 trimmed to the desired length and the fastener strip 22 positioned adjacent the retainer 50, the third portion 28a of the fastener strip 22 is engaged with the second portion 58b of the second wing 56 (step 740). With the third portion 28a engaged with the second portion 58b, the first wing 54 is folded over the fastener strip 22 such that the first portion 58a of the first wing 54 engages with the fourth portion 28b of the fastener strip 22 (step 750). The outer surface 54b of the first wing portion 54 and the inner surface 56a of the second wing portion 56 can be pushed together with the fastener strip 22 therebetween to ensure that the first fastener strip 58 engages the second fastener strip 28. When the first and second fastening strips 58, 28 are engaged with one another, the first zipper 20 is secured to the edge of the central panel 107.

With the first zipper 20 secured to the edge of the central panel 107, the first stringer 24 of the first zipper 20 interlocks with the second stringer 34 of the second zipper 30 (step 760). The slide 40 may be used to interlock the first chain 24 and the second chain 34 to each other. In some embodiments, the first zipper 20 includes an insert pin (not shown) and the second zipper 30 includes a pin box (not shown) adjacent the top edge of the receptacle 100 such that the first and

second zippers

20, 30 are aligned with each other. In some embodiments, the first zipper 20 and the second zipper 30 are interlocked with each other (step 760) before the zipper strip 22 is secured within the retainer 50 (steps 740 and 750). Interlocking the first zipper 20 and the second zipper 30 to one another prior to securing the zipper strips 22 within the retainer 50 can facilitate alignment of the zipper strips 22 with the retainer 50.

In the event that the second zipper 30 becomes damaged, the second zipper 30 may be replaced as described in detail below. Although not described in detail herein, the second zipper 30 may be secured to the edges of the side strips 108 of the curtain 106 in a manner similar to the manner in which the first zipper 20 is secured to the edges of the central panel 107. This may be preferred when the side bars 108 have a width and are substantially flexible. In such an embodiment, the method 700 described in detail above may be used to replace the second zipper 30.

In some embodiments, similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, the side strips 108 are narrow and do not require significant flexibility, e.g., the side strips 108 do not need to be folded or rolled in order to provide access to the interior of the cargo container 100. In such an embodiment, the second zipper 30 may be releasably secured to the side strips 108 by substantially rigid rods sewn or received in the second zipper strip 32 of the second zipper 30. A rigid rod is received in the channel of side strip 108 to secure second zipper strip 32 to the edge of side strip 108. Channel 108 can be a substantially rigid channel that is secured by a slot to an edge of side strip 108 to allow second fastener strip 32 to extend from the channel. The substantially rigid rods and the substantially rigid channels may be formed of plastic or metal. In some embodiments, the rigid channels may be part of the frame 102 of the cargo container 100. This arrangement may allow the damaged second zipper 30 to slide out of the channel and a new zipper to slide into the channel for replacement of the damaged second zipper 30.

While several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is not intended to limit the invention thereto, since the scope of the invention should be as broad in the art as the art will allow and the specification read likewise. Any combination of the above-described embodiments is also contemplated and is within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Other variations within the scope of the appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A zipper closure for a panel, the zipper closure comprising:

a holder, the holder comprising:

an attachment tab for attachment to a panel;

a first wing extending in a direction away from the attachment tab, the first wing including a first securing portion; and

a second wing extending in a direction away from the attachment tab, the second wing including a second securing portion opposite the first securing portion; and

a zipper, the zipper comprising:

a chain configured to selectively interlock with an opposing chain of an opposing zipper;

a fastener strip extending in a direction away from the chain, the fastener strip having a first surface including a third securing portion attached thereto; the fastener strip further having a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface including a fourth securing portion attached thereto,

wherein the fourth securing portion is engaged with the first securing portion and the third securing portion is engaged with the second engaging portion so as to releasably secure the zipper to the retainer.

2. A zipper closure as in claim 1 wherein: the first and second securing portions comprise a first component of a two-component fastening system, and the third and fourth securing portions comprise a second component of the two-component fastening system.

3. A zipper closure as recited in claim 2, wherein: the first component is a plurality of hooks and the second component is a plurality of loops.

4. A zipper closure as recited in claim 2, wherein: the first component is a plurality of mushroom hooks and the second component is a plurality of loops.

5. A zipper closure as in claim 1 wherein: the retainer is formed from a continuous fabric element.

6. A zipper closure as in claim 1 wherein: the retainer includes a continuous first fixation strip including a first fixation portion and a second fixation portion.

7. A zipper closure as in claim 6 wherein: a first securing portion is attached to the first wing portion and a second securing portion is attached to the second wing portion, the first securing strap including a central securing portion between the first securing portion and the second securing portion.

8. A zipper closure as in claim 6 wherein: the first fixing portion is folded over an end of the fastener tape.

9. A zipper closure as in claim 1 wherein: the zipper comprises a continuous second fastening strip comprising a third fastening portion and a fourth fastening portion.

10. A zipper closure as recited in claim 9, wherein: the second fixing strip includes a central fixing portion between the third fixing portion and the fourth fixing portion.

11. A zipper closure as recited in claim 9, wherein: the second securing strip is folded over the end of the zipper strip.

12. A cargo container comprising:

a plurality of panels defining a cargo opening;

a curtain associated with a closed configuration in which the curtain closes the cargo opening and an open configuration in which an interior of the cargo container is accessible through the cargo opening; and

a zipper closure having a closed configuration corresponding to the closed configuration of the curtain, the zipper closure comprising:

a holder, the holder comprising:

an attachment tab attached on a first edge of the shade;

a first wing portion extending in a direction away from a first edge of the curtain, the first wing portion including a first fixed portion; and

a second wing extending in a direction away from the first edge of the curtain, the second wing including a second fixed portion opposite the first fixed portion; and

a first zipper, the first zipper comprising:

a first stringer configured to selectively interlock with a second stringer of the second zipper;

a first zipper strip extending in a direction away from the first link, the first zipper strip having a first surface including a third securing portion attached thereto, the first zipper strip further having a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface including a fourth securing portion attached thereto,

wherein the fourth fastening portion is engaged with the first fastening portion and the third fastening portion is engaged with the second engaging portion to releasably secure the first zipper to the first edge of the curtain.

13. The cargo container of claim 12, wherein: the shade includes a flexible panel and a side strip, a first edge extending along the flexible panel and opposite a second edge of the side strip.

14. The cargo container of claim 13 wherein: the zipper closure comprises a second zipper comprising a second stringer arranged to selectively interlock with the first stringer of the first zipper and a second zipper strip extending in a direction away from the second stringer towards the second edge of the side stringer.

15. The cargo container of claim 14, wherein: the second zipper strip is secured to a second edge of the side strip.

16. A zipper closure for a flexible panel, the zipper closure comprising:

a retainer configured to attach to the flexible panel, the retainer comprising a first wing comprising a first securing surface and a second wing comprising a second securing surface opposite the first securing surface; and

a zipper, the zipper comprising:

a chain configured to selectively interlock with an opposing chain of an opposing zipper; and

a zipper strip extending in a direction away from the chain, the zipper strip having a third fastening surface and a fourth fastening surface opposite the third fastening surface,

the zipper tape is disposed between the first and second wings of the retainer such that the third securing surface is releasably engaged with the first engagement surface and the fourth securing surface is releasably engaged with the second engagement surface.

17. A zipper closure as in claim 16 wherein: the first and second fixation surfaces comprise a first component of a two-component fastening system, and the third and fourth fixation surfaces comprise a second component of the two-component fastening system.

18. A zipper closure as recited in claim 17, wherein: the first component is a plurality of hooks and the second component is a plurality of loops.

19. A zipper closure as recited in claim 17, wherein: the first component is a plurality of mushroom hooks and the second component is a plurality of loops.

20. A zipper closure as in claim 16 wherein: the first wing portion and the second wing portion are folded over the zipper tape such that the zipper tape wraps within the retainer.

21. A method of replacing a zipper of a cargo container, the method comprising:

a removal step of removing a first zipper from a holder attached to a cargo container, the removal step comprising:

peeling a first wing of the retainer from a first side of a fastener strip of a first zipper such that a first part of a two-part fastener attached to the first wing is disengaged from a second part of the two-part fastener attached to the first side of the fastener strip; and

peeling a second wing of the retainer from a second side of the fastener strip of the first zipper opposite the first side to cause a first component of the two-component fastener attached to the second wing to disengage from a second component of the two-component fastener attached to the second side of the fastener strip; and

a fixing step of fixing the second zipper in the holder, the fixing step including:

engaging a second part of the two-part fastener attached on a third side of the fastener strip of the second zipper with a first part of the two-part fastener attached on the second wing; and

such that the second part of the two-part fastener attached on a fourth side of the fastener strip of the second zipper, the fourth side being opposite the third side, engages with the first part of the two-part fastener attached on the first wing of the retainer.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein: removing the first zipper from the retainer and securing the second zipper within the retainer comprises: attaching the retainer to a flexible panel for closing a cargo opening of the cargo container.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein: the removing step further comprises separating a first stringer of a first zipper from an opposing stringer of an opposing zipper, and the securing step further comprises interlocking a second stringer of a second zipper with the opposing stringer of the opposing zipper.