GB2466624A - Locking pin for a slide fastener - Google Patents

Locking pin for a slide fastener Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2466624A
GB2466624A GB0823440A GB0823440A GB2466624A GB 2466624 A GB2466624 A GB 2466624A GB 0823440 A GB0823440 A GB 0823440A GB 0823440 A GB0823440 A GB 0823440A GB 2466624 A GB2466624 A GB 2466624A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
locking pin
slide fastener
pin
coupling elements
fastener
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0823440A
Other versions
GB2466624B (en
GB0823440D0 (en
Inventor
Stephen Thomas
Alicia Hitchen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
YKK Europe Ltd
Original Assignee
YKK Europe Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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Application filed by YKK Europe Ltd filed Critical YKK Europe Ltd
Priority to GB0823440.3A priority Critical patent/GB2466624B/en
Publication of GB0823440D0 publication Critical patent/GB0823440D0/en
Priority to GB0922420A priority patent/GB2466571A/en
Publication of GB2466624A publication Critical patent/GB2466624A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2466624B publication Critical patent/GB2466624B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44BBUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B19/00Slide fasteners
    • A44B19/24Details
    • A44B19/26Sliders
    • A44B19/30Sliders with means for locking in position
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44BBUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B19/00Slide fasteners
    • A44B19/24Details
    • A44B19/36Means for permanently uniting the stringers at the end; Means for stopping movement of slider at the end
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B21/00Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
    • F16B21/10Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings by separate parts
    • F16B21/12Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings by separate parts with locking-pins or split-pins thrust into holes
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B19/00Bolts without screw-thread; Pins, including deformable elements; Rivets
    • F16B19/002Resiliently deformable pins
    • F16B19/004Resiliently deformable pins made in one piece

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Slide Fasteners (AREA)

Abstract

A locking pin 10 suitable for use with a slide fastener (i.e. zip) 100 comprises a series of frusto-conical shaped segments 20. Also disclosed is a slide fastener 100 which comprises a pair of stringers 101, 102 each including a tape 103, 104 and a row of coupling elements 105 mounted onto a respective longitudinal edge. The locking pin 10 is inserted into one end of a channel formed by the interdigitation of the coupling elements 105. Decoupling of the coupling elements 105 and hence stringers 101, 102 is therefore prevented.

Description

I
LOCKING PIN FOR A SLIDE FASTENER
The present invention relates to a locking pin, more specifically, a locking pin for a slide fastener. In particular, a slide fastener with coiled coupling segments in which the pin may be easily inserted and which is almost invisible to the human eye once inserted and which cannot be easily removed. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to an improved locking pin for a slide fastener that allows superior locking of the slide fastener.
Conventional slide fasteners comprise a pair of stringers, wherein each stringer is comprised of a tape and coupling segments. Also present is a slider that moves along the coupling segments of the stringers and in so doing engages or disengages the coupling segments depending on the direction of movement of the slider. Placed at one end of one or both of the stringers is an end stop to prevent the slider from moving beyond the coupling segments on one or both stringers. If the slider is not present, then unpeeling or disengagement of the coupling segments and separation of the stringers will occur.
In certain situations it is advantageous to be able to lock together the pair of * S. stringers of a slide fastener. S..
*., In GB 1,000,597 there is described a sliding clasp fastener with two flexible interlocking stringers comprised of interlocking coupling segments and with a slider, for opening and closing the fastener. At one end of the slide fastener there is a bottom end stop, fitted with a pin located between a common * . channel of the interlocked coupling segments for preventing the coupling segments from un-meshing when the slider reaches them. Also present at the upper end of the slide fastener is a top stop. One or more pins are inserted into each of the channels formed by the coupling segments on opposing stringers at the top of the slide fastener so as to prevent the slider being lost from the top of the stringers. There is however, no mention in GB 1,000, 597 of a pin being used to lock the top stop portion of the slide fastener, or of a pin being formed of a series of frustoconical shaped segments.
In US 4,091,509 (MacFee) there is described a slide fastener with a bottom stop in which an elongated member is inserted through the coinciding central openings of interlocking coiled coupling segments at the bottom of the slide fastener. The elongate member is secured in place by deforming one or more of the convolutions or coils of coupling members at the bottom of the slide fastener. The presence of the elongate member results in the formation of a stronger bottom stop when compared to bottom stops formed by fusing the coils together or fusing additional thermoplastic material onto the coils.
In US 4,179,787 (MacFee) there is again described an elongate member for insertion through coinciding central openings of interlocking coils at the bottom of a slide fastener wherein the elongate member is secured in place by deforming one or more of the convolutions of the coils at the bottom of the slide fastener.
In JP 56-51773 there is disclosed a slide fastener with two stringers comprised of interlocking coupling segments and a slider for opening and closing the fastener. At one end of the slide fastener there is located a bottom stop, and at the opposite end a top stop. In the region of the top stop, on both stingers, an elongate L-shaped member is inserted between the coupling segments and the tapes. In this way, complete closure of the slide fastener is :: prevented, and the slider cannot pass over the end of the top stop.
* In JP 51-4823 there is also illustrated a slide fastener with two stringers comprised of interlocking coupling segments and a slider for opening and closing the fastener. A stop is located at one end of the slide fastener. In order to prevent the slider extending along the slide fastener and past the upper most coupling segments, a straight, elongate pin is inserted into the channel formed at the interlock between the coupling segments of the two stringers. The top of the pin is enlarged to aid removal of the pin from the slide fastener so that the slide fastener can be operated.
In US 2,220,136 (Harinsky), there is disclosed a separable slide fastener in which a pair of stringers, each comprised of coupling segments made for example from thermoplastic material which are clamped along the tapes of the stringers are coupled and decoupled by the action of a slider along the coupling segments of the stringers. In addition, at one or both ends of the slide fastener there is provided an end stop in which a number of the thermoplastic coupling segments are misaligned and then adhered together to prevent the slider moving free of the stringers.
The coupling segments are adhered together by the action of a suitable solvent, for example acetone that forms a cementing area between the coupling segments and the tapes.
In an alternative embodiment, a stop plate or sheet, comprised for example of cellulose acetate or like material is applied to the outer edges of the coupling segments by means of cement or adhesive.
In JP 56-28523 there is illustrated a slide fastener comprised of a pair of stringers in which one end of the stringers is secured together by moulding together the coupling segments on the stringers following insertion of a pin. In this way, the end of the stringers where the coupling segments are moulded *.I.
remains joined in the formation of a bottom stop. I. * * * * * **
Finally, in CN 2508603Y, there is disclosed a slide fastener comprised of a pair of stringers upon which are mounted opposing coupling segments that :::: are opened and closed by the action of a slider along the coupling segments.
* At one end of the slide fastener, there is an end stop to prevent the loss of the slider.
Whilst the prior art documents listed above disclose the importance of securely closing a bottom or top stop, none of the documents disclose a locking pin for an end stop of a slide fastener according to the present invention.
Furthermore, none of the documents disclose a locking pin for an end stop according to the present invention which once inserted provides a superior lock for a top stop, which can be easily applied to a slide fastener but which may not be readily removed, thereby providing a secure and essentially permanent Jock for the slide fastener.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a locking pin for an end stop for a slide fastener that overcomes the problems associated with the
prior art.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a locking pin for an end stop for a slide fastener that can not be readily removed once inserted.
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a locking pin suitable for use with a slide fastener wherein the locking pin comprises a series of two or more adjoined frusto-conical shaped segments.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the length of the pin comprises the length of at least six coupling elements on the slide fastener. * S. * . .
For example, preferably the locking pin comprises between six and eight *...
frusto-conical shaped segments, more preferably six frusto-conical shaped segments so as to achieve the length of the pin equal to the length of at least six coupling elements of the slide fastener. * S..
:::: The frusto-conical shaped segments are preferably comprised of plastics * material, more preferably acetal resin and each segment comprises a head end and a tail end.
Most preferably the locking pin is comprised of a unitary piece of plastics material and is prepared by injection moulding.
The locking pin of the present invention preferably comprises a first end that is tapered. Whilst at the opposite end of the pin to the tapered end there is located a cap.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a slide fastener comprising: a pair of first and second stringers each including a tape and a row of coupling elements mounted on a respective longitudinal edge thereof; and a locking pin; wherein when the pin is inserted into one end of a channel formed by the interdigitation of the coupling elements decoupling of the coupling elements and hence the stringers is prevented.
The pin in the fastener is preferably as described in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.
Advantageously, the pin of the present invention may be inserted into the fastener after the fastener has been closed and is not required to be inserted during manufacture of the fastener thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the fastener. Consequently, if a bottom pin is also required with the fastener, this may be added later in the manufacturing process.
The slide fastener of the present invention is also advantageously arranged to provide a means by which two large pieces of material may be joined without the need for a slider so as to provide a strong and also stream-lined finish to :::: : the final product. In such processes, a closure tool is used to adjoin the * coupling elements of the fastener and once the coupling elements are joined, the pin is inserted between the coupling elements thereby locking the elements together.
Other aspects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following
description and the accompanying drawings.
The invention will now be further described by way of reference to the example accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of a locking pin for a slide fastener according to the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the locking pin for a slide fastener according to the present invention as illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates the insertion of a locking pin according to the present invention into the coiled coupling elements of a slide fastener.
Figure 4 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of a segment of the top of a slide fastener as a locking pin according to the present invention is inserted into the coiled coupling elements of the slider.
Figures 5a and 5b illustrate an alternative embodiment of a locking pin according to the present invention.
The present invention will now be described further with reference to the drawings wherein like features are represented by the same reference **.* flu merals. * S S * S.
It will be appreciated that terms such as "top" and "bottom", and "upwards" and "downwards" used herein relate to a slide fastener per se and are :::: : descriptive terms as generally used in the art and for ease of description. It * will of course be apparent that a slide fastener may be used in any orientation.
According to Figures 1 and 2 there is illustrated a locking pin 10 for a slide fastener according to the present invention.
As seen in Figure 1 the locking pin 10 is comprised of a series of frusto conical shaped segments 20 forming a single unitary pin. In a preferred example of the present invention the pin is formed by injection moulding so as to form a one-piece unitary pin.
The pin is preferably comprised of a suitable material such as for example a plastic material, more preferably a resin such as an acetal resin.
Each segment comprises a head end 22 and a tail end 24.
Whilst the pin may be comprised of a series of frusto conical segments in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pin is comprised of a single unit of injection moulded resin.
Preferably, the locking pin of the present invention comprises a number of frusto-conical segments, for example between five and eight frusto conical segments, preferably six frusto-conical segments.
However, it is most preferred that the length of the pin comprises the length of at least 6 coupling elements on the slide fastener.
As can be seen in Figures 5a and 5b, which illustrate an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, one end 200 of the locking pin 210 is tapered and in this embodiment tapered to form a point. At the opposite end *: of the locking pin there is located a cap 220. The cap is of a sufficient size to prevent the pin from passing too far between the coupling elements and hence sinking' into the slide fastener. In addition, the top 230 of the cap :::: provides a suitable surface for receiving a logo or identifying trademark to * identify the manufacturer of the slide fastener. Consequently, the top of the cap is preferably smooth, flat and visible.
The series of frusto-conical segments preferably forms a rigid structure that does not readily flex.
In Figure 2 of the present invention there is illustrated a side view of a locking pin 10 according to the present invention demonstrating the angles and dimensions of the frusto-conical segments forming the stopper pin.
Each frusto conical element is preferably of a length equivalent to the length of one complete coupling element. The head end of each element is of a diameter which permits the element to engage between interlocking coupling segments to provide resistance to movement in the direction of an opening slider.
The side of each frusto conical segment is preferably between 40 and 6° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stopper pin, more preferably 5°.
The shape of the locking pin is important to the operation of the pin when applied to a slide fastener according to the present invention.
In Figure 3 there is illustrated a slide fastener 100 according to the present invention to which a locking pin 10 is being applied.
The slide fastener comprises 100 a pair of stringer 101, 102 formed by the attachment of coupling elements 105 to each side of a pair of tapes 103, 104.
A slider (not shown) may be mounted on one of the stringers and moved along the coupling elements 105 to open or close the coupling elements, or alternatively, a separate coupling tool or slider tool may be used to open and :E: close the coupling elements.
* In order to lock the slide fastener 100, the locking pin 10 is inserted between the channel 110, formed by the interlocked coupling elements 105 once the coupling elements of the slide fastener have been joined and hence the slide fastener closed.
Once the coupling elements 105 have been closed, the locking pin 10 may be inserted into the channel 110, between the adjoined coupling elements 105 to lock the coupling elements and hence slide fastener in the closed position.
Once the locking pin 10 has been inserted between the coupling elements 105, the coupling elements are hence fastener are locked together. It is not possible to unlock the coupling elements and fastener without first removing the pin. However, the shape and nature of the locking pin is such that once inserted between the coupling elements, the locking pin can not be removed without damaging either the locking pin or the coupling elements and hence the fastener.
This can be seen more clearly in Figure 4 in which it can be seen that whilst the stopper pin may be inserted, tapered end first, easily into the channel between the coupling elements, any attempt to remove the pin will cause the tail ends of each frusto-conical segment to abut the rim 120 of each pair of adjacent coupling elements 105.
As the diameter of the tail end 24 of each frusto-conical segment 20 is greater than the diameter of the channel formed by the co-joined coupling elements, the pin can not be readily removed without damage being caused to the coupling elements 105 and/or the locking pin itself. * ** * . *
The pin and hence fastener of the present invention finds particular application in situations where a fastener may be subject to extreme stress *. but where it is required that the fastener remains closed. a * S
For example, suitable application areas include but are not limited to assembling life rafts In addition, whilst the locking pin is easy to insert but virtually impossible to remove without damaging the locking pin or the fastener, once the locking pin has been inserted into the coupling segments of the slide fastener it is camouflaged by the coupling segments and is not readily detectable by the human eye. Only the logo on the cap of the pin remains visible.

Claims (13)

  1. CLAIMS: 1. A locking pin suitable for use with a slide fastener wherein the locking pin comprises a series of two or more adjoined frusto-conical shaped segments.
  2. 2. A locking pin according to claim 1 wherein the length of the locking pin comprises the length of at least 6 coupling elements on the slide fastener.
  3. 3. A locking pin according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the frusto-conical shaped segments are comprised of plastics material.
  4. 4. A locking pin according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the frusto-conical shaped segments are comprised of acetal resin.
  5. 5. A locking pin according to any of the preceding claims wherein each segment comprises a head end and a tail end.
  6. 6. A locking pin according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the locking pin is comprised of a unitary piece of plastics material. * ** * **. * . *.S.
  7. 7. A locking pin according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the locking pin is prepared by injection moulding. S.... * S
  8. 8. A locking pin according to claims 1 to 7 wherein the pin comprises between six and eight frusto-conical shaped segments.
  9. 9. A locking pin according to any of claims I to 8 wherein the pin comprises a first end that is tapered.
  10. 10. A locking pin according to claim 9 wherein the pin further comprises a cap that is located at a second end of the pin opposite the first end.
  11. 11. A (slide) fastener comprising: a pair of first and second stringers each including a tape and a row of coupling elements mounted on a respective longitudinal edge thereof; and a locking pin; wherein when the pin is inserted into one end of a channel formed by the interdigitation of the coupling segments decoupling of the coupling elements and hence stringers is prevented.
  12. 12. A fastener according to claim 11 wherein the pin is as claimed in any of claims ito 10.
  13. 13. A locking pin or slide fastener substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in one or more of the accompanying drawings. * ** * * * * *. * *** * * S... * . * S. * S.S *5SSS * S * S S *S * *S S * I I S 55
GB0823440.3A 2008-12-23 2008-12-23 Locking pin for a slide fastener Expired - Fee Related GB2466624B (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0823440.3A GB2466624B (en) 2008-12-23 2008-12-23 Locking pin for a slide fastener
GB0922420A GB2466571A (en) 2008-12-23 2009-12-22 Locking pin for slide fastener

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0823440.3A GB2466624B (en) 2008-12-23 2008-12-23 Locking pin for a slide fastener

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0823440D0 GB0823440D0 (en) 2009-01-28
GB2466624A true GB2466624A (en) 2010-06-30
GB2466624B GB2466624B (en) 2013-02-20

Family

ID=40344108

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0823440.3A Expired - Fee Related GB2466624B (en) 2008-12-23 2008-12-23 Locking pin for a slide fastener
GB0922420A Withdrawn GB2466571A (en) 2008-12-23 2009-12-22 Locking pin for slide fastener

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0922420A Withdrawn GB2466571A (en) 2008-12-23 2009-12-22 Locking pin for slide fastener

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (2) GB2466624B (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4179787A (en) * 1976-12-20 1979-12-25 Textron Inc. Method of forming a bottom stop on a slide fastener

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1278783A (en) * 1918-02-09 1918-09-10 Harvey H Stoner Fastening device for tire-protectors, &c.
DE3913943A1 (en) * 1989-04-27 1990-10-31 Mato Masch & Metallwaren CLUTCH ROD
CA2095765A1 (en) * 1993-05-07 1994-11-08 Douglas C. Allport Fastener
WO2005046381A1 (en) * 2003-11-14 2005-05-26 Anthony James Avery Zipper stopper

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4179787A (en) * 1976-12-20 1979-12-25 Textron Inc. Method of forming a bottom stop on a slide fastener

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2466624B (en) 2013-02-20
GB0823440D0 (en) 2009-01-28
GB0922420D0 (en) 2010-02-03
GB2466571A8 (en) 2010-10-27
GB2466571A (en) 2010-06-30

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20141223