GB2538547A

GB2538547A - Improvements in or relating to zip fasteners

Info

Publication number: GB2538547A
Application number: GB1508716.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kelly Julian
Original assignee: Marks and Spencer PLC
Current assignee: Marks and Spencer PLC
Priority date: 2015-05-21
Filing date: 2015-05-21
Publication date: 2016-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-21
Also published as: GB2538547B; GB201508716D0

Abstract

A zip arrangement comprising a zip slider, the slider having a bridge 1; a zip puller 10, the puller having a main body with a first side and an opposing second side, a first end and opposing second free end; and a puller loop 13 joined to or formed integrally with the puller, wherein the slider bridge and puller loop are interlinked to connect the slider and the puller together; wherein when the main body of the puller defines a first plane which passes through the main body between the first side and the second side; and wherein when the main body of the puller hangs freely from the puller loop under the influence of gravity, a first portion of the puller loop is substantially in the same plane as the puller body, a second portion of the puller loop is orientated substantially in at least a second plane rotated relative to the first plane about a first axis which lies substantially in the first plane and is parallel with the length of the main body of the puller from the first end to the second end. The puller loop may be folded or twisted, and may be a continuous loop or ring. At least two points of the puller loop may be twisted, in opposing directions.

Description

Title: Improvements in or relating to Zip Fasteners

Description of Invention

The present invention relates to zip fasteners.

The modern zip fastener was invented more than one hundred years ago, and has become very popular as a fastener for clothes, bags and the like.

A zip fastener generally comprises a slider, which is configured to join or separate, as required, two opposing tracks comprising rows of interlocking teeth.

The zip also comprises a zip puller, which usually takes the form of a tag or pendant which can be grasped by a user to drag the slider in the desired direction.

The slider and puller are generally connected to each other by a pair of loops, i.e. a slider loop, which is formed as part of the slider, and a puller loop, which is formed as part of the puller. The puller loop and slider loop are linked together, to allow freedom of movement between the puller and the slider, whilst ensuring that the puller is firmly connected to the slider.

In most zip arrangements the tag or pendant of the puller is generally planar and has two opposing faces. In some circumstances it may be desirable for one of these two faces to be seen in preference to the other. This may be where a manufacturer's logo is presented on one of the faces, and where it is not practical (or not economically viable) for the logo to be presented on both sides of the tag.

Alternatively, or in addition, a tag may have a particular construction that makes one side of the tag more presentable than the other. For instance, the tag may be formed from one or more layers of leather which are held together with rivets, with the rivets being primarily visible on one side of the tag. In these circumstances the manufacturer may prefer the other side (i.e. the side that does not display the rivets) to be seen when the bag is used.

It is an object of the present invention to seek to ameliorate some or all of the above problems.

Summary of the invention

Aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, a zip arrangement is provided comprising: a zip slider configured to join and separate opposing zip tracks to open and close a zip, the slider having a bridge formed integrally with the slider; a zip puller which may be grasped by a user to pull the slider and thereby open or close the zip, the puller having a main body with a first side and an opposing second side, a first end and opposing second free end; and a puller loop joined to or formed integrally with the puller, wherein the slider bridge and puller loop are interlinked to connect the slider and the puller together; wherein when the main body of the puller defines a first plane which passes through the main body between the first side and the second side; and wherein when the main body of the puller hangs freely from the puller loop under the influence of gravity, a first portion of the puller loop is substantially in the same plane as the puller body, a second portion of the puller loop is orientated substantially in at least a second plane rotated relative to the first plane about a first axis which lies substantially in the first plane and is parallel with the length of the main body of the puller from the first end to the second end.

According to another aspect of the invention, a puller for use in a zip arrangement is provided, wherein the puller may be grasped by a user to pull a slider and thereby open or close the zip, comprising: a zip slider configured to join and separate opposing zip tracks to open and close a zip, the slider having a bridge formed integrally with the slider; a zip puller which may be grasped by a user to pull the slider and thereby open or close the zip, the puller having a main body with a first side and an opposing second side, a first end and opposing second free end; and a puller loop joined to or formed integrally with the puller, wherein the slider bridge and puller loop are interlinked to connect the slider and the puller together; wherein when the main body of the puller defines a first plane which passes through the main body between the first side and the second side; and wherein when the main body of the puller hangs freely from the puller loop under the influence of gravity, a first portion of the puller loop is substantially in the same plane as the puller body, a second portion of the puller loop is orientated substantially in at least a second plane rotated relative to the first plane about a first axis which lies substantially in the first plane and is parallel with the length of the main body of the puller from the first end to the second end.

In preferred arrangements, the puller loop may be folded or twisted. The puller loop may be a continuous loop or ring. The portion of the puller loop that is orientated in the second plane may be less than half of the loop. When the main body of the puller hangs freely from the puller loop under the influence of gravity, an apex of the puller loop may rest on the slider bridge.

An angle measured from the centre of the puller loop defines a segment of the puller loop and the portion of the puller loop that is orientated in the second plane is the segment subtended by the angle. The angle may be less than 180.

At least two points of the puller loop may be twisted relative to the plane of the main body. A first point of the puller loop may be twisted in a first direction and a second point of the puller loop may be twisted in a second opposing direction.

The puller loop passes through the first end of the main body and parallel with the first plane. The puller loop has a straight section that passes through the first end of the main body and parallel with the first plane. The puller loop may rotate about the centre of the loop relative to the puller main body, or the puller loop may not rotate about the centre of the loop relative to the main body.

The interlink between the zip slider bridge and the puller loop may allow the puller to move freely relative to the slider. The slider bridge may be integrally formed with the slider at one end, and the second opposite end may be free.

When the slider bridge is pressed substantially closed relative to the main body of the slider, a groove may be formed between the slider bridge and the body of the slider or on the inside of the bridge.

The bent portion of the puller loop may be rotated by an angle of at least 5°, 10°, 20°, or 45° with respect of the first plane.

A bag or garment may be constructed comprising the zip arrangement, slider or puller. In normal use of the bag or garment, at least a portion of the opposing zip tracks may be substantially horizontal.

Brief description of the figures

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with 30 reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 3 show components of a conventional zip fastener; Figures 4 to 7 show components of a first new zip fastener; Figures 8 to 10 show components of a second new zip fastener; Figures 11 and 12 show a schematic cross-sectional diagram; Figures 13, 14 and 15 show a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a zip slider; Figure 14a shows a schematic perspective view of a zip slider; Figure 16 shows components of a conventional zip fastener; Figures 17 and 18 show a first puller suitable for use with the present invention; Figures 19 and 20 show a second puller suitable for use with the present invention; Figures 21 to 23 show an alternative puller; Figure 24 and 25 show a conventional zip; and Figure 26 shows an alternative slider.

Detailed description

Turning firstly to figure 1, a conventional zip arrangement is shown. The zip 20 arrangement comprises a zip slider 1 which, in known fashion, may slide back and forth to connect or disconnect opposing tracks 2a, 2b, each having a series of teeth 3.

Attached to a top surface 4 of the slider 1 is a slider loop 5 (also known in the art as a slider bridge). The slider loop 5 takes the form of an arch which extends away from the top surface 4 of the slider 1, and defines an aperture 6 between the top surface 4 of the slider 1 and the underside of the slider loop 5. The bridge 5 at a first end is integrally formed with the body of the slider 1. At the second opposite end of the bridge, the end is free. The second end may then be crimped or pressed into position proximate to the slider body 1 to form the slider loop 5.

A puller 7 is attached to the slider 1. The puller 7 comprises a tag 8, which may take any suitable form, but which in the depicted arrangement is generally rectangular. During use of the zip arrangement, a user may grasp the tag 8 in order to drag the slider 1 along the tracks 2a, 2b to open or close the zip.

At a first end of the tag 8 a puller loop 9 is formed. The puller loop 9 takes the form of a closed arch or ring which is held by the first end of the tag and extends away from the first end of the tag 8.

The puller loop 9 and slider loop 5 are interlocked with each other, so that the slider 1 and puller 7 are attached to one another, although there is considerable "play" between these two components. The free end of the bridge, as discussed above, may be pressed or crimped into position to form the slider loop 5 and thereby trapping the puller loop 9.

The components of the zip arrangement as described above are, thus far, conventional.

In the arrangement shown in figures 1 to 3 the tracks 2a, 2b are arranged in a generally horizontal fashion. In figures 2 and 3 the puller loop 5 lies in a substantially horizontal plane, in line with the main body of the puller tag 8. The puller loop 5 and the puller tag 8 may rotated relative to each other about an axis parallel with the section of the loop 5 that passes through the tag 8.

The tag 8 of the puller 7 will, in the "rest position", hang generally downwardly from the slider loop 5 under the influence of gravity.

If the puller 7 is grasped and used to open or close the zip and is then released, the tag 8 will fall downwardly, and it is likely that either side (i.e. major face) of the tag 8 will face outwardly (figures 2 and 3), or indeed that the tag 8 will hang in an orientation where it is generally side-on to a viewer (figure 1).

Turning to figures 4 to 10, a puller 10 which is suitable for use with the present invention is shown.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the zip arrangement. As in the conventional zip shown in figures 1 to 3, the zip arrangement has a slider 1 having a bridge or slider loop 5. A puller 10 is attached to the slider 1. The tag 11 may take any form suitable for use with the puller loop 13. The puller loop 13 protrudes from the top edge 12 of the tag 11. The puller loop 13 is a ring that is folded or twisted. Other suitable shapes are contemplated wherein the ends' of the loop meet to form a closed shape. It is also envisaged that the ends of the puller loop may not meet each other, but that the ends both meet (of lie close to) a part of the tag, so that a closed or substantially closed loop is formed by a combination of the puller loop at the tag.

The tag 11 defines a first plane which passes through the main body of the tag between the major' first and second sides. A first axis may be defined that lies in the first plane and is parallel with the length of the puller tag 11 from the top edge 12 to the bottom edge.

In figure 4, a first portion of the puller loop 13, comprising the majority of the loop 13 is substantially in the first plane (i.e. the same plane as the tag 11).

However, as may be seen in the figure, a second portion 14 of the loop 13 is substantially in a second plane. The second plane, with respect to the first plane, is rotated about the first axis. Thus, the second portion 14 of the loop 13 is folded, out of plane with the remaining parts of the puller 10.

Figures 5 to 7 show an embodiment puller 10 at different angles relative to the slider 1. In figure 5, the loop 13 may be seen end on' so that the tag 11 is perpendicular to the zip tracks 2. In figure 6 the puller 10 is in a rest position, hanging down from the slider 1. The first 'major' side of the tag 11 is facing up or outwardly from the zip tracks 2. In figure 7, the second 'major' side of the tag 11 is facing outwardly.

In the depicted embodiment, the angle of rotation between the first and second planes is around 30°, although the invention is not limited to this. In preferred embodiments, the angle between the first and second planes is at least 5°. More preferably, this angle is at least 10°. Yet more preferably, the angle is at least 20°. As will be seen in the example below, this angle may be higher still, for instance at least 45° or around 90°.

If the puller 10 is grasped by a user to open or close the zip tracks 2 and then released, the tag 11 will hang downwardly from the slider loop 5 under the influence of gravity. Due to the shape of the loop 13, the puller 10 will always or nearly always fall to rest in this position after is has been released by the user. The puller 10 will therefore be likely to come to rest with the first 'major' side facing outwards. An apex of the puller loop, opposite the part of the loop attached to the main body of the puller rests on the slider bridge. In the orientation shown in figure 6, the first 'major' face will therefore be visible to onlookers.

If, when released after a zipping operation, the puller 10 begins to fall so that the second 'major' face of the tag 11 (i.e. the face opposite to the preferred face) is facing outwards (as shown in figure 7), the interaction between the slider loop 5 and the puller loop 13 will cause the tag 11 to rotate around so that it will come to rest in the position shown in figure 6 with the preferred face facing outwards.

Figures 11 and 12 show a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the shape of the puller loop 13 when interlocked with the slider bridge 5. The section taken through the slider 1 is perpendicular to the direction of the zip tracks 2. For simplicity only the folded second portion 14 of the loop 13 is shown. Figure 11 shows the tag 11 at rest in its preferred position, with the major face facing outwards. The fold of the second portion 14 of the loop 13 neatly curves under the bridge 5. Figure 12 shows the tag 12 in an un-preferred positon, with the major face facing inwards i.e. towards the zip tracks 2. In figure 12, the fold of the second portion 14 of loop 13 curves towards the bridge 5 from the top surface of the slider 1. In this position, the tag 11 is less likely to sit in a stable position and any movement of the zip arrangement is likely to cause the tag 11 to rotate around the bridge 5 to come to rest in the preferred position shown in figure 11.

It will therefore be understood that, in embodiments of the invention, every time (or almost every time) the user performs a zipping operation and releases the puller 10, the puller 10 will fall with the preferred face of the tag 11 facing outwards. In addition, if the zip is subject to repeated movement (e.g. if the zip is formed on a bag or garment, the movement that might be experienced while an individual carrying the bag or wearing the garment is walking) the tag 11 will consistently be seen with the preferred face thereof facing outwards.

The second portion 14 is preferably curved over at least in part of its length. More preferably the second portion 14 is curved over at least a majority of its length. The second portion 14 may be curved over all or substantially all of its length.

The shape of the second portion 14 contributes to the advantages of the arrangement.

Another embodiment is shown in figures 8 to 10. The puller loop 13 comprises 30 a pair of legs 15a and 15b which protrude generally away from the top edge 12 of the tag 11. The first and second legs 15 are approximately the same length.

Each of the legs 15 are rotated relative to the first plane. The first leg 15a is rotated in a first direction and the second leg 15b is rotated in a second opposite direction. The legs 15 are directed towards and in opposite directions to the section of the loop 13 passing through the top end of the tag 12. A third section of the loop 16 joints the ends of the legs 15 together so that the loop 13 is closed. The third section of the loop 16 lies in the second plane and is rotated nearly 90° about the first axis. Thus, the loop has an elongated and twisted shape.

In a similar manner to the puller 10 described above, if the alternative puller 10 is used in conjunction with a zip arrangement, when the puller 10 hangs downwardly from the slider loop 5, the tag 11 will therefore fall, on every occasion, or almost every occasion, with the first 'major' side of the tag 11 facing outwardly (as shown in figure 10).

The puller loop may take any suitable form, as long as it includes at least one angled portion orientated substantially in the second plane.

In the embodiment described above, the bridge of the slider 1 is pressed 20 closed to form the slider loop 5. A slider loop 5 may be formed by other means known to the skilled person.

In a preferred arrangement, when the bridge 5 is closed it is arranged to leave a small gap (smaller than the thickness of the puller loop 13) between the upper surface of the slider 1 and the free end of the bridge 5. This provides a groove into which the puller loop 13 may fall and tend to sit. As an alternative to this, the slider loop 5 could be formed with a deflection or "dip" (or arched portion), so that the puller 10 tends to settle in the dip of the slider loop 5. An arrangement of this type could help to ensure that a puller 10 will fall with the preferred side of the tag facing outwardly.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 show a schematic cross-sectional diagram of slider 1 and the slider bridge 5. The section taken through the slider 1 is parallel to the direction of the zip tracks 2. For simplicity the puller loop 13 is not shown.

Figure 13 shows a conventional slider 1 and bridge 5. When completing the zip arrangement, the bridge 5 is pressed into the position shown, and traps a puller loop. A small gap between the bridge 5 and the top surface of the slider 1 remains. The puller loop would naturally fall into this gap when it comes to rest.

Figure 14 shows a small dip or notch in the free end of the slider bridge 5. This provides a larger space for the puller loop to rest, thereby encouraging the puller loop to rest in a particular position. Figure 14a shows a schematic perspective view of the top-side of a slider 1. In figure 14a, the bridge 5 has a dip or notch on the right side of the free end of the bridge. If this arrangement were used with a puller loop (not shown), the puller would be encouraged to rest to the left side of the zip or away from the viewing point of the view shown. Figure 15 shows an alternative arrangement where the dip or notch is provided in the top surface of the slider 1 rather than the bridge 5.

It will be understood that embodiments of the invention provide a simple solution to the problem set out above. In particular, with relatively minor changes to the shape of the puller loop, it can be ensured that, on at least the vast majority of occasions, the tag of a puller will fall with a preferred side facing outwardly.

It is noted that, when the zip arrangement is oriented so that the zip tracks are generally vertical (as, for example, is the case for the main zip on the front of a regular jacket) the puller will generally tend to fall to one end of the slider loop under the influence of gravity.

It will therefore be understood that either the slider loop or the puller loop may be shaped so that, when it is used with a conventional puller/slider, the preferred side of a tag will be visible to a viewer. Alternatively, both the slider loop and the puller loop may be shaped to help achieve this end.

In the above examples the puller loop is completely enclosed, in that both ends of the loop meet the main body of the slider or puller. However, it is envisaged that at least one of the puller loop may be formed from a loop which is connected at only one end to the main body of the slider/puller, and the other end is a free end. In this case the free end may touch, or lie close to, the main body of the slider/puller, so the effect is similar or equivalent to that of an entirely enclosed loop. It will be understood how forming at least one of the loops to have one free end will assist in the easy manufacture/assembly of a zip.

Turning to figure 16, a conventional zip arrangement is shown.

The zip arrangement comprises a zip slider 101 which, in known fashion, may 5 slide back and forth to connect or disconnect opposing tracks 102a, 102b, each having a series of teeth 103.

Attached to a top surface 104 of the slider 101 is a slider loop 105 (also known in the art as a slider bridge). The slider loop 105 takes the form of an arch which extends away from the top surface 104 of the slider 101, and defines an aperture 106 between the top surface 104 of the slider 101 and the underside of the slider loop 105.

A puller 107 is attached to the slider 101. The puller 107 comprises a tag 108, which may take any suitable form, but which in the depicted arrangement is generally rectangular. During use of the zip arrangement, a user may grasp the tag 108 in order to drag the slider 101 along the tracks 102a, 102b to open or close the zip.

At one end of the tag 108 a puller loop 109 is formed. The puller loop 109 takes the form of a closed arch which extends away from one end of the tag 108.

The puller loop 109 and slider loop 105 are interlocked with each other, so that the slider 101 and puller 107 are attached to one another, although there is considerable "play" between these two components.

In the arrangement shown in figure 16 the tracks 102a, 102b are arranged in a generally horizontal fashion, with the puller loop 105 lying in a substantially horizontal plane.

The tag 108 of the puller 107 will, in the "rest position", hang generally downwardly from the slider loop 105 under the influence of gravity.

If the puller 107 is grasped and used to open or close the zip and is then released, the tag 108 will fall downwardly, and it is likely that either side (i.e. major face) of the tag 108 is equally likely to face outwardly, or indeed that the tag 8 will hang in an orientation where it is generally side-on to a viewer.

Turning to figures 17 and 18, a puller 110 which is suitable for use with the present invention is shown.

Figure 17 shows the puller 110 from a front view. As in the example shown in figure 16, the puller 110 has a main body in the form of a tag 111, which is generally rectangular, having two major opposing faces.

Protruding from a top edge 112 of the tag 111 is a puller loop 113.

The puller loop 113 comprises a pair of legs 114a, 114b which protrude generally directly away from the top edge 112 of the tag 111. A first leg 114a has a length which is greater than a second leg 114b.

The legs 114a, 114b are generally parallel with one another. The regions of the legs 114a, 114b near to the top edge 112 of the tag 111 therefore define a first plane 115, which is indicated in figure 18. The first plane 115 is, in this embodiment, the plane in which the first and the second legs 114a, 114b lie.

Referring to figure 16 it can be seen that, if a corresponding plane is defined for the puller 107 of figure 16, all of the puller loop 109 would lie within the first plane.

Returning to the embodiments shown in figures 17 and 18, a connecting portion 116 of the puller loop 113 extends between the legs 114a, 114b, connecting the ends of the legs 114a, 114b which lie furthest from the tag 111.

As can be seen in figure 18, which shows an end-on view of the tag 110, the connecting portion 116 is arcuate, defining a curve which extends away from, and returns to, the first plane 115.

In passing from the end of the first leg 114a to the end of the second leg 114b, therefore, the connection portion 116 extends successively closer to the top edge 112 of the tag 111, and curves away from the first plane 115, before ultimately returning to the first plane 115 to join the end of the second leg 114b.

It will be understood that the connecting portion 116 therefore resembles a 20 section of a helix or corkscrew shape.

The junction between the connecting portion 116 and the first leg 114a forms an arch, whose inner side faces generally towards the top edge 112 of the tag 111. As can be seen in figure 18, this arch lies in a second plane 117 which is set at an angle to the first plane 115.

In the depicted embodiment, the angle is around 30°, although the invention is not limited to this. In preferred embodiments, the angle between the first and second planes is at least 5°. More preferably, this angle is at least 10°. Yet more preferably, the angle is at least 20°. As will be seen in the example below, this angle may be higher still, for instance at least 45° or around 90°.

If the puller 110 is used in a zip arrangement such as that shown in figure 16, it can be seen that, if the puller 110 is grasped by a user to open or close the zip tracks 102a, 102b and then released, the tag 111 will hang downwardly from the slider loop 105 under the influence of gravity. As the tag 111 falls to this position, the top edge of the slider loop 105 will tend to slide along the underside of the connecting portion 116 of the slider loop 113, until the puller loop 105 rests in the arch formed at the angle between the connecting portion 116 and the first leg 114a. As discussed above this arch is formed at the second angle 117 with respect to the first angle 115 (which generally defines the plane of the tag 111 of the puller 110). The puller 110 will therefore be likely to come to rest with the plane 117 of the arch generally at right angles to the upper edge of the slider loop 105. In this position, one face of the tag 111 will face outwards. In the orientation shown in figure 18, the face 118 of the tag 111 that faces towards the bottom of the page will be facing outwardly, and will therefore be visible to onlookers.

If, when released after a zipping operation, the puller 110 begins to fall so that the other face of the tag 111 (i.e. the face opposite to the preferred face 118) is facing outwards, the interaction between the slider loop 5 and the puller loop 113 will twist the tag 111 around so that it will come to rest with the preferred face 118 facing outwards.

It will therefore be understood that, in embodiments of the invention, every time (or almost every time) the user performs a zipping operation and releases the puller 110, the puller 110 will fall with the preferred face 118 of the tag 111 facing outwards. In addition, if the zip is subject to repeated movement (e.g. if the zip is formed on a bag or garment, the movement that might be experienced while an individual carrying the bag or wearing the garment is walking) the tag 111 will consistently be seen with the preferred face 118 thereof facing outwards.

Turning to figures 19 and 20, an alternative puller 119 is shown. In common with the above-described puller 110, the alternative puller 119 includes a tag 111 which is generally rectangular and planar, and includes a puller loop 113 protruding from a top edge 112 thereof.

The puller loop 113 includes first and second legs120a, 120b. As in the puller 113 described above, the legs 120a, 120b define a first plane 115, which contains the locations where both of the legs 120a, 120b join to the tag 111.

In this example, the first plane 115 lies generally in the plane of the body of the tag 111, i.e. passing from the top edge 112 to the bottom edge, and lying between the major faces of the tag 111.

Each of the legs 120a, 120b extends upwardly away from the top edge 112 of the tag 111, directed towards a plane passing through the centre of the tag and at right angles to the first plane 115, but deviating in opposite directions from the first plane 115 as they do so. The legs 120a, 120b reach locations 121 at which the legs 120a, 120b lie generally opposite one another, in a direction substantially at right angles to the first plane 115. From these positions 121, the legs 120a, 120b are connected by an arched portion 122, which loops away from the tag 111 to connect the legs 120a, 120b together. It will be understood that the inner side of the arch formed by this arched portion 122 faces towards the top edge 112 of the tag 111. The arched portion 122 lies substantially in a second plane 117, which is at an angle of around 90° to the first plane 115.

In a similar manner to the puller 110 described above, if the alternative puller 119 is used in conjunction with a zip arrangement such as that shown in figure 16, when the puller 119 hangs downwardly from the slider loop 105, the slider loop 105 will be received in the arched portion 122, and the tag 111 will therefore fall, on every occasion, or almost every occasion, with the preferred side 118 of the tag 111 facing outwardly.

Turning to figures 21 to 23, a third puller 123 embodying the invention is 5 shown. In common with the previous embodiments the third puller 123 comprises a tag 111 of a generally rectangular, planar form. One of the major faces 118 of the tag 111 is the preferred side to be viewed.

A puller loop 124 protrudes from the top edge 112 of the tag 111. The puller loop 124 comprises a single stem portion 125 instead of a pair of legs. In the figures the stem portion 125 comprises a rod or bar, which is generally straight in form. A loop 126 is formed at the distal end of the stem portion 125, and in the figures the loop 126 is enclosed. The loop 126 is arranged to be set at a right angle to the plane of the tag 111. It will therefore be understood that if the third puller 123 was included in a zip arrangement such as that shown in figure 16, with the slider loop 105 passing through the loop 126 of the puller loop 124 of the third puller 123, the angle formed between loop 126 and the tag 111 of the third puller 123 will mean that the third puller 123 will be likely to fall with its preferred side 118 visible to an onlooker.

It will therefore be seen that it is not necessary for the puller loop to take the form of a loop with two legs that are attached to, or lie close to, the tag. The puller loop may take any suitable form, as long as it includes an arched portion facing generally towards the tag, and set at an angle to a plane which passes through the tag, from the top side of the tag to the bottom side thereof, and lies between the tag's preferred side and the opposing, less preferred side.

Separately, or in combination with the above, the slider loop may also be shaped to cause the tag of the puller to fall with a preferred side facing outwardly.

Referring to figures 24 and 15, further views are shown of the conventional zip arrangement shown in figure 16. In this arrangement the slider loop 105 is of an approximately semi-circular shape. When the slider 104 is oriented so that the slider loop 105 is in generally horizontal (as in figures 24 and 25), when the puller 107 is released the puller loop 109 may come to rest at one end of the slider loop 105 (as shown in figure 24) or may come to rest near the middle of the slider loop 105 (as shown in figure 25). The tag 108 of the puller 107 will, as the skilled reader will understand, tend to hang in a plane which is at a right angle to the direction of the part of the slider loop 105 on which the puller loop 109 hangs. So, when the puller loop 109 rests at one side of the slider loop 105, the tag 108 will tend to hang with one of its major sides facing towards a viewer. By contrast, when the puller loop 109 rests near the middle of the slider loop 105, the tag 108 will tend to hang side-on to a viewer.

When the puller 107 of a conventional zip arrangement is released, the puller loop 109 may come to rest at an arbitrary position along the length of the slider loop 105, and this has a large effect on the orientation at which the tag 108 of the puller 107 is presented to an onlooker. Indeed, this effect may also influence the resting orientation of the tag 111 of some of the embodiments described above.

Turning to figure 26, first slider 127 embodying the present invention is shown.

The function of the first slider is generally conventional, in that it joins and separates the teeth 103 of opposing zip tracks 102a, 102b.

A slider loop 128 protrudes from the top surface 129 of the slider 127. The slider loop 128 is curved in shape, having first and second ends 130, 131 where the slider loop 128 joins (or lies close to) the top surface 129, and a middle section 132 between the ends 130, 131.

The slider loop 128 is offset with respect to a plane which is perpendicular to the plane of the zip tracks 102a, 102b, and which passes through the line along which the zip tracks 102a, 102b join to one another. In figure 16 a dotted line 133 indicates where this plane passes through the top surface 129 of the slider loop 128, and it can be seen that the slider loop 128 is at an angle to this, in that a line connecting the first and second ends 130, 131 is at an angle to the dotted line 133 that appears in figure 26.

When the slider 127 is used with zip tracks 102a, 102b that are generally horizontal (as shown in figure 26), the result is that one the ends of the slider loop 128 will be higher than the other. In figure 26, the first end 130 is higher than the second end 131. This means that the puller 107 will tend to slide under the influence of gravity towards the second end 131, and fall with one of the major faces of the tag 108 presented towards a viewer. The puller 107 can be arranged so that the preferred side 118 of the tag 108 is the one that is seen under these circumstances.

Arranging the slider loop in this way means that a tag of conventional design can be used with the slider, with a preferred face of the tag reliably being shown when the tag is at rest.

As an alternative to this, the slider loop could be formed with a deflection or "dip" (or arched portion) in its central region, so that the puller tends to settle in the middle region of the slider loop. An arrangement of this type could help to ensure that a puller of, for example, the design shown in figures 21 to 23 will fall with the preferred side of the tag facing outwardly.

It is noted that, when the zip arrangement is oriented so that the zip tracks are generally vertical (as, for example, is the case for the main zip on the front of a regular jacket) the puller will generally tend to fall to one end of the slider loop under the influence of gravity, and so an angled slider loop of this type is likely to be less useful.

In the above examples both the slider loop and the puller loop are completely enclosed, in that both ends of the loop meet the main body of the slider or puller. However, it is envisaged that at least one of the slider and puller may be formed from a loop which is connected at only one end to the main body of the slider/puller, and the other end is a free end. In this case the free end may touch, or lie close to, the main body of the slider/puller, so the effect is similar or equivalent to that of an entirely enclosed loop. It will be understood how forming at least one of the loops to have one free end will assist in the easy manufacture/assembly of a zip.

The specification above refers to one or more loops having an arched portion. It should be understood that, in this sense, an arched portion need not have a conventional arch shape, or indeed be curved. The arched portion may have angular edged. What is important is that the arched portion forms a region of the puller/slider loop which lies further from the main body of the puller/slider than the surrounding regions of the loop, so forming a "well" in which the other of the puller/slider loops may be received.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the 5 presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

The following clauses relate to certain embodiments: 1. A zip arrangement comprising: a zip slider configured to join and separate opposing zip tracks to open and close a zip; a slider loop joined to or formed integrally with the slider; a zip puller which may be grasped by a user to pull the slider and 20 thereby open or close the zip; and a puller loop joined to or formed integrally with the puller, the slider loop and puller loop being interlinked to connect the slider and the puller together, wherein the puller has a main body with a first side and an opposing second side, and the puller loop protrudes from a first end of the main body, 25 the main body having an opposing second free end, and the main body defines a first plane which passes through the main body, passing from the first end to the second end and lying between the first side and the second side, and the loop contains an arched portion, wherein an inner side of the arch faces generally towards the main body of the puller, and the portion of the loop that forms the arch lies in a second plane which subtends an angle with respect to the first plane.

2. A zip arrangement according to clause 1 wherein the puller loop has a pair of legs, each of which is attached to the main body of the puller or lies close to the main body of the puller.

3. A zip arrangement according to clause 2 wherein the first plane contains the locations where both legs join, or lie closest to, the main body of the puller.

4. A zip arrangement according to clause 2 or 3 wherein the legs comprise portions which are substantially parallel with one and another, with a connecting portion joining the regions of the legs which lie furthest from the main body of the puller or slider.

5. A zip arrangement according to clause 4 wherein at least a part of the connecting portion is arcuate.

6. The zip arrangement according to clause 5 wherein substantially the entirety of the connection portion is arcuate.

7. A zip arrangement according to any one of clauses 4 to 6 wherein the parallel portion of one of the legs is longer than the parallel portion of the other of the legs.

8. A zip arrangement according to clause 1, wherein the puller loop comprises a single stem terminating in a loop, wherein the arch forms part of the loop.

9. A zip arrangement comprising: a zip slider configured to join and separate opposing zip tracks to open 30 and close a zip; a slider loop joined to or formed integrally with the slider; a zip puller which may be grasped by a user to pull the slider and thereby open or close the zip; and a puller loop joined to or formed integrally with the puller, the slider loop and puller loop being interlinked to connect the slider and the puller together, wherein the slider has a main body with an upper side, the slider loop protruding from the upper side, and the main body defines a first plane which is perpendicular to the plane of zip tracks which are joined or separated by the slider, and which passes through a line along which the zip tracks are joined by the slider, and wherein at least a part of the slider loop lies in a second plane which subtends an angle with respect to the first plane.

10. A zip arrangement according to clause 9 wherein the slider loop substantially all lies in the second plane.

11. A zip arrangement according to clause 9 wherein the slider loop has an arched portion, and at least a part of the arched portion lies in the second plane.

12. A zip arrangement according to clause 11, wherein the arched portion is in a substantially central region of the slider loop.

13. A slider for use in a zip arrangement, the slider being configured to join and separate opposing zip tracks to open and close a zip and comprising a main body and a slider loop which is joined to or formed integrally with an upper side of the main body, wherein: the slider has a main body with an upper side, the slider loop protruding from the upper side, and the main body defines a first plane which is perpendicular to the plane of zip tracks which are joined or separated by the slider, and which passes through a line along which the zip tracks are joined by the slider, and wherein at least a part of the slider loop lies in a second plane which subtends an angle with respect to the first plane.

14. A puller for use in a zip arrangement, wherein the puller may be grasped by a user to pull a slider and thereby open or close the zip, the puller comprising a main body and a puller loop which is joined to or formed integrally with the main body, wherein: the puller has a main body with a first side and an opposing second side, and the puller loop protrudes from a first end of the main body, the main body having an opposing second free end, and the main body defines a first plane which passes through the main body, passing from the first end to the second end and lying between the first side and the second side, and the loop contains an arched portion, wherein an inner side of the arch faces generally towards the main body of the puller, and the portion of the loop that forms the arch lies in a second plane which subtends an angle with respect to the first plane.

15. A zip arrangement, slider or puller according to any preceding clause, wherein the second plane subtends an angle of at least 5° with respect of the first plane.

16. A zip arrangement, slider or puller according to clause 15 wherein the second plane subtends an angle of at least 10° with respect of the first plane.

17. A zip arrangement, slider or puller according to clause 15 wherein the second plane subtends an angle of least 20° with respect of the first plane.

18. A zip arrangement, slider or puller according to clause 15 wherein the second plane subtends an angle of least 45° with respect of the first plane.

19. A zip arrangement, slider or puller according to clause 15 wherein the second plane subtends an angle of around 90° with respect of the first plane.

20. A bag comprising a zip arrangement, a slider or a puller according to any preceding claim.

21. A garment comprising a zip arrangement, a slider or a puller according to any preceding claim.

22. A bag or garment according to clause 20 or 21 wherein, in normal use of the bag or garment, at least a portion of the opposing zip tracks are substantially horizontal.

23. A zip arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to figures 17 to 26 of the accompanying drawings.

24. A slider substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to figures 17 to 26 of the accompanying drawings.

25. A puller substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to figures 17 to 26 of the accompanying drawings.

Claims

Claims: 1 A zip arrangement comprising: a zip slider configured to join and separate opposing zip tracks to open and close a zip, the slider having a bridge formed integrally with the slider; a zip puller which may be grasped by a user to pull the slider and thereby open or close the zip, the puller having a main body with a first side and an opposing second side, a first end and opposing second free end; and a puller loop joined to or formed integrally with the puller, wherein the slider bridge and puller loop are interlinked to connect the slider and the puller together; wherein when the main body of the puller defines a first plane which passes through the main body between the first side and the second side; and wherein when the main body of the puller hangs freely from the puller loop under the influence of gravity, a first portion of the puller loop is substantially in the same plane as the puller body, a second portion of the puller loop is orientated substantially in at least a second plane rotated relative to the first plane about a first axis which lies substantially in the first plane and is parallel with the length of the main body of the puller from the first end to the second end.
2. A zip arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the puller loop is folded or twisted.
3. A zip arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the puller loop is a continuous loop or ring.
4. A zip arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion of the puller loop that is orientated in the second plane is less than half of the loop.
5. A zip arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein when the main body of the puller hangs freely from the puller loop under the influence of gravity, an apex of the puller loop rests on the slider bridge.
6. A zip arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein an angle measured from the centre of the puller loop defines a segment of the puller loop and the portion of the puller loop that is orientated in the second plane is the segment subtended by the angle.
7. A zip arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the angle is less than 180.
8. A zip arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein at least two points of the puller loop are twisted relative to the plane of the main body.
9. A zip arrangement according to claim 8, wherein a first point of the puller loop is twisted in a first direction and a second point of the puller loop is twisted in a second opposing direction.
10. A zip arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the puller loop passes through the first end of the main body and parallel with the first plane.
11. A zip arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the puller loop has a straight section that passes through the first end of the main body and parallel with the first plane.
12. A zip arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the puller loop may rotate about the centre of the loop relative to the puller main body, or wherein the puller loop may not rotate about the centre of the loop relative to the main body.
13. A zip arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the interlink between the zip slider bridge and the puller loop allows the puller to move freely relative to the slider.
14. A zip arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the slider bridge is integrally formed with the slider at one end, and the second opposite end is free.
15. A zip arrangement according to claim 14, wherein when the slider bridge is pressed substantially closed relative to the main body of the slider, a groove is formed between the slider bridge and the body of the slider.
16. A zip arrangement according to any of claims 14-15, wherein a groove is formed on the inside of the bridge.
17. A puller for use in a zip arrangement, wherein the puller may be grasped by a user to pull a slider and thereby open or close the zip, comprising: a zip slider configured to join and separate opposing zip tracks to open and close a zip, the slider having a bridge formed integrally with the slider; a zip puller which may be grasped by a user to pull the slider and thereby open or close the zip, the puller having a main body with a first side 25 and an opposing second side, a first end and opposing second free end; and a puller loop joined to or formed integrally with the puller, wherein the slider bridge and puller loop are interlinked to connect the slider and the puller together; wherein when the main body of the puller defines a first plane 30 which passes through the main body between the first side and the second side; and wherein when the main body of the puller hangs freely from the puller loop under the influence of gravity, a first portion of the puller loop is substantially in the same plane as the puller body, a second portion of the puller loop is orientated substantially in at least a second plane rotated relative to the first plane about a first axis which lies substantially in the first plane and is parallel with the length of the main body of the puller from the first end to the second end.
18. A zip arrangement, or puller according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of the puller loop is rotated by an angle of at least 5° with respect of the first plane.
19. A zip arrangement, or puller according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of the puller loop is rotated by an angle of at least 10 ° with respect of the first plane.
20. A zip arrangement, or puller according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of the puller loop is rotated an angle of least 20 ° with respect of the first plane.
21. A zip arrangement, or puller according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion of the puller loop is rotated an angle of least 45 ° with respect of the first plane.
22. A bag comprising a zip arrangement, a slider or a puller according to any preceding claim.
23. A garment comprising a zip arrangement, a slider or a puller according to any preceding claim.
24. A bag or garment according to any of claims 22-23, wherein, in normal use of the bag or garment, at least a portion of the opposing zip tracks are substantially horizontal.
25. A zip arrangement or puller substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
26. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.