CN117715560A - Metal integrated safety slider and pull for slide fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a safety slide assembly for a slide fastener. The safety slide assembly is formed in a single die casting operation to include both the safety slide and the pull. At least one side-shifting slide is incorporated into the mold to allow the bridge and tab to be formed in their complete geometry and without the converging planar surfaces required in the prior art. The slider assembly includes a pull member whose geometry allows the two slider members to be secured together after a zipper tooth closing operation and limits the ability to separate the pull member when the zipper tooth is opened, thereby providing safety to the user.

Description

Metal integrated safety slider and pull for slide fastener

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a slide fastener, generally referred to as a slide fastener, and more particularly, to an integrated safety slider and pull member made of metal for a slide fastener.

Background

Zippers, fly or zippers, formerly known as buckles or zippers, are a common means for restraining the open edges of fabrics or other flexible materials, such as on clothing or bags. For clothing (e.g., jackets and jeans), luggage, and other bags, sporting goods, camping equipment, and other items.

The body of the zipper is made up of two rows of protruding teeth that can be interdigitated, joining the rows, with tens to hundreds of specially shaped metal or plastic teeth. The teeth may be separate or formed from a continuous coil, also known as a member. The slide is manually operated to move along the row of teeth. The slider has a Y-shaped channel therein which engages or separates two opposing rows of teeth depending on the direction of movement of the slider.

Generally, zippers represent only a small portion of the total cost of the product. However, if failed, the entire garment or apparatus may not be used until the zipper is replaced or repaired. Problems often occur in the slider portion of the zipper. The slider is generally composed of a sliding portion and a pulling member. The user grasps a pull member pivotally connected to the slider and pushes or pulls the slider in one direction or the other to move the slider. When movement occurs, movement of the slider causes the teeth to engage or disengage each other. The slider is typically manufactured to include one or more components to which the pull is then assembled. Assembly of the pull to the slider is typically accomplished by bending a bridge portion of the slider, which is die cast with a gap to form an interlocking engagement between the two components. Other methods require the assembly of additional bridge components that may be bent, staked or otherwise secured to the slider. However, these structures are fragile and are prone to breakage upon repeated use, resulting in separation of the pulling force from the slider. This problem is exacerbated when sliders and sliders are used to maintain the security of items such as suitcases. Secure storage, such as suitcases or travel bags, also presents a theft problem because these items are often left to strangers and out of control of the owners. Thus, the multi-piece slide and pull are easily broken into pieces to allow access to the container, where the contents of the container may be stolen or manipulated.

It has been proposed in the past to form the slider and the pull in a single operation. However, when produced from metal, the proposed method, apparatus and resulting zipper product are not producible or acceptable by industry. It has proven extremely difficult to produce a metal slider assembly with a pull force that interlocks with the bridge due to the rigid nature of the metal, which makes it very difficult for the tool to retract from around the formed part without altering the geometry of the part in an undesirable manner.

For example, U.S. patent 2,736,062 to scheuemann et al discloses a method of molding a slider and drawing it together in a single operation. Scheuemann uses four slides that intersect at 45 degrees to each other. The slider intersects at a bridge portion and a pull portion of the slider assembly, wherein the pull member is positioned at a perpendicular right angle with respect to a top surface of the slider. However, as shown, this approach requires that the tab and the inner surface of the bridge include 45 degrees or similar angles that form sharp points along the inner surface. Sharp points can cause stress concentrations in the part and sharp corners wear very quickly, resulting in any surface coating being worn. This can lead to discoloration of the slide assembly and, in general, corrosion of the parts during cleaning. In addition, the modified geometry severely limits the movement of the pulling force within the bridge by reducing the space in which the pulling force must rotate and slide within the bridge.

U.S. patent 5,604,962 to Mayerhofer, U.S. patent 5,698,243 to Wakabayashi, british patent 4,210,196 to Weiner, and british patent 2,220,608 to Liso all show variants of Scheuermann devices that all require an angle and pull force inside the bridge to retract the tool. Although these angles are not described in all patents, the tool cannot be retracted by the hardened metal and therefore the tool must be present to function.

U.S. patent No.2,509,278 to Scheuermann discloses a die that rotates a pulling member about its vertical axis in an attempt to eliminate the angle on the inner surface of the pulling member ring. However, the inner surface of the bridge still requires an angle and the costs for producing a tool with the precision required for pulling the rotation about the vertical axis prove to be too high.

U.S. patent 4,790,973 to Minami et al discloses a different method and apparatus for molding a slider assembly. Minami first molds the slide, and once the slide is cured, the core is partially retracted, creating tension in the overmolding operation while the slide is still in the mold.

U.S. patent No.5,013,511 to Akashi discloses another method and apparatus for forming a zipper slider from metal. Like Minami, akashi forms a sliding portion in the first operation and forms a pulling portion in the second operation. However, the pull 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 discloses another method and apparatus for forming a zipper slide assembly. The Terad a combines with the intermediate pulling portion to form a pulling force, which interlocks with a pin member formed as a secondary operation within the mold.

Uk patent application No.2,289,917 to YKK discloses a locking slider assembly. YKK locking slides disclose forming the pulling member in a separate mold and placing the pulling member in an auxiliary mold, wherein the sliding member is formed around the pin portion of the pulling member to complete the assembly.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an apparatus and method of forming a slider in combination with a pull wherein the slider and pull can be formed of metal without the need to change the geometry of the slider assembly, including the internal angled surfaces of the bridge and tab in the pull. There is also a need in the art for a slider and a pull that operate to allow the slider to be locked by an external locking mechanism to maintain the security of the items contained within the container.

The combined slide and pull assembly should meet the ergonomic requirements that the zipper slide assembly must meet in order to achieve end user acceptance. This includes providing a bridge of the slider that includes an inner surface geometry that allows the puller to move and rotate freely. In addition, the zipper slide assembly should not require excessive strength to operate, or include oversized components. In addition, the zipper slide assemblies must be assembled together in a manner that does not detract from the aesthetics of the finished zipper assembly or garment assembly. The slide assembly should include an integrally formed locking ring that allows the slide to be locked in place using a padlock or similar locking device. Alternatively, there should be a pair of slides, each comprising an integrally formed ring that allows the two slides to be secured together with a padlock to secure the items stored in the container.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a die cast zipper slide assembly formed in a single operation that overcomes the shortcomings of prior art zipper slide assemblies formed in one or more operations. The zipper slide assembly of the invention not only makes manufacture relatively easy, but also allows the slider, the puller and the locking ring to be manufactured together without the need to provide motion limits and failure-prone angles on the inner surfaces of the bridge and the tab. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing utilizing at least one side-shifting slide, thereby eliminating the need for angularly interlocked slides and the need to modify the part geometry to accommodate the sliding angle.

Disclosure of Invention

Briefly, the present invention is directed to a secure slider assembly for a slide fastener. The safety slide assembly is formed in a single die casting operation to include both the fixable slide and the pull simultaneously formed. At least one side-shifting slide is incorporated into the mold, which allows the bridge and tab to be formed in their complete geometry and does not require converging planar surfaces as is required in the prior art. The slider assembly includes a pull member whose geometry allows the two slider members to be secured together after a zipper tooth closing operation and limits the ability to separate the pull member when the zipper tooth is opened, thereby providing safety to the user.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a slider assembly for a slide fastener that includes a slider and a pull member having a safety ring, and is formed of metal in one operation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slide assembly that includes a slide having an integral safety ring and a pull that is die cast to include its complete geometry without the converging inner surfaces required by the prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slider assembly for a slide fastener that includes a closure puller ring and a closure bridge on the slider.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a safety slider assembly for a slide fastener that includes at least one laterally moving slide member for moving a tool around a portion of the formed slide assembly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a slider assembly for a slide fastener that includes an integrally formed safety ring configured to cooperate with a padlock or other similar locking device to lock the slider in a secure position.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bridge and pull structure that provides security by integrally forming a closed safety loop on a slider to secure the loop to another loop or structure.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pulling member comprising a channel sized to cooperate with a safety ring on an adjacent slider in a manner surrounding the ring; the channel and ring have aligned holes to accommodate the locking means.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of the invention. The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a pair of slides, each having an offset safety ring integrally formed with the slide to align when positioned adjacently.

FIG. 2 is a partial top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing a pair of slides, each having an offset safety ring integrally formed with the slide to align when positioned adjacently.

Fig. 3 is a front left upper perspective view of a pair of safety slide assemblies positioned to receive a locking device.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a pair of safety slide assemblies positioned to receive a locking device.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a pair of sliders with an enlarged ring forming part of a bridge positioned to receive the slider of the locking device.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a pair of sliders with an enlarged ring forming part of a bridge positioned to receive the slider of the locking device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing one embodiment having a ring formed on the top surface of the bridge to mate with the pulling member of an adjacent slider and pulling member assembly.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an embodiment having a safety ring formed as a channel and a second safety ring located inside the channel.

Fig. 9 is a side view of the embodiment shown in fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in fig. 8.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the present device configured to mate with two separate rows of interlocking teeth.

Detailed Description

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, presently preferred embodiments 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 illustrated by way of specific examples.

Referring to fig. 1-11, a slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener is shown. In its simplest form, the slide assembly (10) includes a slide member (12) and a pull member (14). The slide assembly (10) is preferably formed during a single operation in a die casting machine (not shown). The slide member (12) is formed to include a bridge (16) for positioning and retaining the pull member (14) in a manner that allows the pull member (14) to rotate and to translate linearly. The bridge (16) is also formed to not include breaks or gaps that could weaken the bridge (16) and allow release of the pull member (14). Specifically, 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 to a top surface (24) of the slide member (12). The inner surface (26) of the bridge is formed to be substantially flat as it extends laterally from one side of the slider to the other, but may include any desired longitudinal profile for functional or aesthetic purposes. 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 as well as the aesthetic appearance. The inner portion (32) of the slider (12) includes a separator (34) that separates the inner portion (32) into a Y-shape for engaging or disengaging a zipper chain (not shown), as is known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the slider (12) includes an upper guide (72) and a lower guide (74) for guiding the zipper through the slider (12). The upper guide (72) and the lower guide (74) are separated and secured together by a separator (34). The separator and the guide (72) (74) are constructed and arranged to interlock the fastener chains when moved in a first direction and disengage the fastener chains when moved in a second direction. At least one, and in some embodiments two, guide walls (36) are integrally formed as part of the slider to help guide the teeth as they pass through the slider assembly (12).

The pulling member (14) is formed in place around the bridge (16) to include a loop (38). The ring portion (38) is integrally formed to the first tab portion (40) to eliminate breakage and separation of the two components during use. The ring (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 for use in manufacturing as seen in the prior art. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the ring portion (38) is formed as a square cross-section with a substantially flat inner ring surface (42) and inner corners (44) to provide the desired appearance and function to the entire slide assembly (10). Fig. 5 shows a sliding assembly (10) having a ring (38) of circular cross-section formed around the same or similar bridge structure as described in fig. 1. In this embodiment, the ring geometry is formed entirely and no relief geometry for mold retraction is required after molding.

Still referring to fig. 1-11, a slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener, also referred to as a slide fastener, generally includes a slider member (12), the slider member (12) being constructed and arranged to open and close the slide fastener chain, the slider member (12) including a top plate (23) having a top surface (24), the top surface (24) including a bridge (16), the bridge (16) having a first end (18) and a second end (20), both integrally formed on the top surface (24) such that there is no breakage, gap, or assembly thereof. The inner surface (26) of the bridge extends transversely across the bridge (16) in a substantially planar manner; the first end (18) of the bridge (16) has an integrally formed ring (82) including a bore (83) disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the slide member (12). Alternatively, the ring (82) may be located below the bridge (16) as shown in fig. 5 and 6, located at the top of the bridge (16) as shown in fig. 7, or formed as a pair of ring portions (85) connectable to the outer or upper wall. In a preferred embodiment, the ring (82) comprises an outer surface (81), the outer surface (81) being arranged to extend partially around the ring (82) parallel to the aperture (83), the second end (20) of the bridge (16) extending to the rear of the top surface (24), wherein the bridge (16) and the top surface (24) are integrally formed with each other. The pull member (14) has a loop portion (38) and a tab portion (40), the loop portion (38) being formed as a continuous loop around the bridge (16) and integrally formed to the tab portion (40), the loop portion (38) cooperating with the bridge (16) and the loop (82) such that the pull member (14) can rotate on the first end (18) of the bridge (16) and the loop (82) in a first position substantially parallel to the top surface (24), and wherein the pull member (14) rotates on the second end (20) of the bridge (16) in a second position substantially parallel to the top surface (24). Basically, as used herein, refers to within the usual manufacturing tolerances used in the industry.

The loop portion (38) of the pull member (14) is generally constructed and arranged to include a pull rod (86) and a pair of arms (88) extending between the tab portion (40) and the pull rod (86), an opening (87) being defined in the pull member, each arm (88) having a length greater than a distance from an inner surface (26) of the first end (18) of the bridge (16) to a distal-most point of an outer surface (81) of the loop (82). In this manner, the pulling member (14) is allowed to travel the length of the bridge (16) to provide a directional force to the slider (12) to open and close the zipper chain.

In the most preferred embodiment, the second slider assembly (100) is disposed on the same zipper chain, positioned in opposite directions, which allows the zipper chain to be opened and closed with one or two zipper pulls. In the present system, the second slider assembly (100) is positioned on the same zipper chain as the slider assembly (10) such that the first end (19) of each respective top plate (23) abuts when the slider assembly (10) and the second slider assembly (100) are positioned adjacent to each other. This configuration allows the two zipper slide assemblies (10) (100) to be secured or locked together by a locking device that may be as simple as a tie strap (not shown) or as complex as a padlock or combination lock (not shown). Locking the sliders together prevents the zipper chain from opening even if the slider assembly moves around the chain. Alternatively, the slider assembly (10) (100) may be secured to a portion of the garment or container in which it is used, either independently or simultaneously, to prevent the slider assembly (10) (100) from moving to open the zipper chain. Thus, when the slide assemblies (10) (100) are positioned adjacent, the ring (82) preferably extends beyond the distal end of the top surface (24) and is offset to one side of the longitudinal centerline of the slide member (12) such that when the slide assemblies (10) and second slide assemblies (100) are positioned adjacent to one another, the ring (82) overlaps the aperture (83) and is aligned relative to one another. In at least one embodiment, the ring portion (82) of the slide assembly (10) extends beyond the distal end of the top surface (24) along the longitudinal centerline of the slide member (12), and the tip of the ring portion (82) second slide assembly (100) extends beyond the distal end of the top surface (24) along the longitudinal centerline of the slide member (12). In this embodiment, the ring portion (82) of the second slide assembly (100) is formed as two parallel ring portions (85), the parallel ring portions (85) being arranged to overlap opposite sides of the ring portion (82) of the slide assembly (10). Wherein the apertures (83) of the ring (82) and the ring (85) are aligned relative to each other. In at least one embodiment, the second slide assembly (100) includes a top wall (87) that connects the top surface of the ring portion (85).

Referring to the drawings in general, and most particularly to fig. 7, an embodiment of the present device is shown in which the ring portion (82) of the slide assembly (10) extends above the top surface of the bridge (16) along the longitudinal centerline of the slide member (12). The second slider assembly (100) is positioned on the same zipper chain as the slider assembly (10) such that the first end (19) of each respective top plate (23) abuts when the slider assembly (10) and the second slider assembly (100) are positioned adjacent to each other, and each arm (88) extends between the tab portion (40) and the pull rod (86) for a length greater than the distance from the inner surface (26) of the first end (18) of the bridge (16) to the furthest point of the outer surface (81) of the ring (82). In this way, the pulling member (14) of the first slide assembly (10) can be rotated on the ring (82) of the second slide assembly (100) to secure the two slide assemblies (10) (100) and the locking device together.

Referring still to fig. 1-11, it should be noted that while the figures illustrate single-and double-stranded slides, the single-and double-slide portions of the assembly are interchangeably applicable to all embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. When configured as a single slider, the slide member (12) includes an upper guide (72) and a lower guide (74) separate from and secured together with the first separator (34), wherein the separator (34) and guides (72) and (74) are configured and arranged to interlock the zipper chain when moved in a first direction and to disengage the zipper chain when moved in a second direction. Fig. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a double-stranded slider assembly (80) suitable for use with any of the sliders contained herein. In the present embodiment, the slide member (12) includes an upper guide (72), a middle guide (76), and a lower guide (74) for guiding the first fastener chain (not shown) and the second fastener chain (not shown) through the slide member (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 separator (34) (35) and the guide (72) (76) (74) are constructed and arranged to interlock a first zipper chain and a second zipper chain (not shown) when moved in a first direction and disengage the first zipper chain and the second zipper chain when moved in a second direction. This embodiment may be used for the same or different slide fastener as the first to second slide fasteners. The present embodiment is applicable to waterproof zippers and the like, in which one zipper provides a fastening function and a second zipper provides a waterproof function.

Referring to fig. 1-11, it should be noted that the pull or slide assembly (10) (100) may include indicia (not shown) in the form of logos, graphics, characters, etc. integrally formed as part of the slide assembly (10) (100). This also includes, but is not limited to, serial numbers, lot numbers, part numbers, patent numbers, brands, and the like. It should also be noted that the present embodiment is particularly useful for forming a 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, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification.

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 to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope. Variations and other uses thereof 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 (11)

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

a slider member (12) constructed and arranged to open and close a zipper chain, the slider member (12) comprising a top plate (23) having a top surface (24), the top surface (24) comprising a bridge (16), the bridge (16) having a first end (18) and a second end (20) integrally formed with the top surface (24), an inner surface (26) of the bridge (16) extending transversely across the bridge (16), the first end (18) having an integrally formed ring (82), the ring (82) comprising an aperture (83) arranged perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the slider member (12), the ring (82) having an outer surface (81), the outer surface (81) being arranged to extend partially around the ring (82) parallel to the aperture (83), the second end (20) of the bridge (16) extending to a rear of the top surface (24), wherein the bridge (16) and the top surface (24) are integrally formed with each other;

a pulling member (14) having a loop portion (38) and a tab portion (40), the loop portion (38) being formed as a continuous loop around the bridge (16) and integrally formed to the tab portion (40), the loop portion cooperating with the bridge and the loop (82) such that the pulling member (14) is rotatable between the first ends (18) of the bridge (16) and on the loop (82) to a first position substantially parallel to the top surface (24) and a second position, wherein the pulling member (14) is rotatable on the second end (20) of the bridge (16) to be substantially parallel to the top surface (24).

2. The slide assembly (10) for the slide fastener of claim 1, wherein the loop portion (38) of the pull member (14) includes a pull rod (86) and a pair of arms (88), the pair of arms (88) extending between the tab portion (40) and the pull rod (86), an opening (87) being defined in the pull member, each arm (88) having a length greater than a distance from an inner surface (26) of the first end (18) of the bridge (16) to a furthest point of an outer surface (81) of the loop (82).

3. The slide assembly (10) for a slide fastener according to claim 1, comprising a second slide assembly (100) positioned on the same slide fastener chain as the slide assembly (10), such that the first end (19) of each respective top plate (23) abuts when the slide assembly (10) and the second slide assembly (100) are positioned adjacent to each other.

4. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener according to claim 3, wherein the loop (82) extends beyond the distal end of the top surface (24) and is offset to one side of the longitudinal centerline of the slider member (12) such that the loop (82) overlaps the aperture (83) and is aligned with each other when the slider assembly (10) and the second slider assembly (100) are positioned adjacent each other.

5. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener as claimed in claim 3, wherein the loop (82) of the slider assembly (10) extends along the longitudinal centre line of the slider member (12) beyond the distal end of the top surface (24), the loop (82) of the second slider assembly (100) being formed as two parallel loops (85), said parallel loops (85) being arranged such that opposite sides of the loop (82) of the slider assembly (10) overlap the aperture (83) of the loop (82), the loops (85) being aligned with respect to each other.

6. The slide assembly (10) for a slide fastener according to claim 5, wherein the second slide assembly (100) includes a top wall (87) connected to a top surface of the loop portion (85).

7. The slide assembly (10) for a slide fastener according to claim 2, wherein the loop portion (82) of the slide assembly (10) extends above the top surface of the bridge (16) along the longitudinal centerline of the slide member (12), the second slide assembly (100) is located on the same slide fastener chain as the slide assembly (10) and the second slide assembly (100) are positioned adjacent to each other such that the first end (19) of each respective top plate (23) abuts, and each arm (88) extends between the tab portion (40) and the pull rod (86) for a length greater than the distance from the inner surface (26) of the first end (18) of the bridge (16) of the slide assembly (10) to the furthest point of the outer surface (81) of the loop (82) of the second slide assembly (100).

8. The slide assembly (10) for a slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein the slide member (12) of the slide assembly (10) is a single-chain slide member (79) comprising an upper guide (72) and a lower guide (74) separated by a first separator (34), wherein the separator (34) and the guides (72) and (74) are constructed and arranged to interlock the slide fastener chains when moved in a first direction and disengage the slide fastener chains when moved in a second direction.

9. A slide assembly (10) for a slide fastener according to claim 3, wherein the slide member (12) of the second slide assembly (100) comprises a single chain slide member (79), the single chain slide member (79) comprising an upper guide (72) and a lower guide (74) separated by a first separator (34), wherein the separator (34) and the guides (72) and (74) are constructed and arranged to interlock the slide fastener chains when moved in a first direction and disengage the slide fastener chains when moved in a second direction.

10. The slide assembly (10) for a slide fastener according to claim 1, wherein the slide member (12) of the slide assembly (10) comprises a double-stranded slide member (80), the double-stranded slide member (80) having an upper guide (72), a middle guide (76) and a lower guide (74) for guiding the first and second slide fastener chains through the slide member (12); the upper (72) and middle (76) guides are separated and secured together by a first separator (34), and the middle (76) and lower (74) guides are separated and secured together by a second separator (35), the separators (34) (35) and guides (72) (76) (74) being constructed and arranged to interlock the first and second zipper chains when moved in a first direction and disengage the first and second zipper chains when moved in a second direction.

11. A slider assembly (10) for a slide fastener according to claim 3 wherein the slider member (12) of the second slider assembly (100) comprises a double-stranded slider member (80), the double-stranded slider member (80) having an upper guide (72), a middle guide (76) and a lower guide (74) for guiding the first and second slide fastener chains through the slider member (12); the upper (72) and middle (76) guides are separated and secured together by a first separator (34), and the middle (76) and lower (74) guides are separated and secured together by a second separator (35), the separators (34) (35) and guides (72) (76) (74) being constructed and arranged to interlock the first and second zipper chains when moved in a first direction and disengage the first and second zipper chains when moved in a second direction.