NL2011317C2

NL2011317C2 - Zip closure system, garment, and method.

Info

Publication number: NL2011317C2
Application number: NL2011317A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Marco Gaetano Gandolfo Biondolillo
Original assignee: Marco Gaetano Gandolfo Biondolillo
Priority date: 2013-08-19
Filing date: 2013-08-19
Publication date: 2015-02-23
Also published as: WO2015026231A1

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a zip closure system (10) comprising a zip slider (1) capable of fastening and unfastening a zip closure (2) and a zip extension (3) arranged for attaching to the zip slider (1) for extending a distance (X1→X2) over which the zip slider (1) can be operated for fastening and unfastening the zip closure (2). The zip extension (3) is arranged for forming a reversible snap connection (S) to the zip slider (1). The disclosure further concerns a garment comprising the zip closure system (10) and a method for operating a zip closure system (10).

Description

Title: ZIP CLOSURE SYSTEM, GARMENT, AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a zip closure system, a garment comprising the zip closure system, and a method for operating a zip closure system. A zip closure system, also referred to as “zipper” or “zip”, finds widespread use for fastening and unfastening parts of a garment, i.e. clothing piece. The zip closure system typically comprises two rows of interlocking teeth that are attached to opposing parts of the garment to form a zip closure. The zip closure system further comprises a zip slider arranged to be moved or slid over the interlocking teeth of the zip closure for fastening or unfastening the zip closure depending on a direction in which the zip slider is moved. When fastening the zip closure, the opposing teeth are moved into interlocking position to connect the opposing parts of the garment together. Unfastening the zip closure has the opposite effect of at least partly detaching the said opposing parts from each other.

One application of the zipper includes the fastening and unfastening of women's clothes, e.g. skirts and dresses. Commonly, a woman’s dress features a back closure wherein the zipper is placed at the back seam of the dress so as not to interfere with the design of the dress. While the back zipper can provide a desirable appearance, a problem arises when a woman wearing the dress wants to operate the zipper in places where she can not reach it.

One solution to alleviate the lack of reach, is to enlarge the size of the zip slider, e.g. by attaching an elongate cord to the slider. In this way a zip extension is provided for extending a distance over which the zip slider can be operated for fastening and unfastening the zip closure.

Unfortunately, such a permanently attached zip extension can be easily noticed, thus partly defeating the design goal of using a back closure in the first place.

Another solution to alleviate the lack of reach, is to provide a zip extension comprising a hook attached to a cord. The wearer of the garment can apply the hook through a corresponding hole in the zip slider and pull the attached cord to fasten or unfasten the zip closure. Unfortunately, this solution is generally difficult to operate, e.g. because the application and release of the hook requires substantial effort. Moreover, the hook may damage the garment.

Accordingly, a need exists for a zip closure system that provides a desirable design freedom while being more easily operable, in particular when applied to a back closure of a garment such as a woman’s dress.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a zip closure system comprising a zip slider and a zip closure. The zip slider is capable of fastening and unfastening the zip closure. The system further comprises a zip extension arranged for attaching to the zip shder for extending a distance over which the zip slider can be operated. The zip slider can thus be operated via the zip extension for fastening and unfastening the zip closure. In particular, the zip extension is arranged for forming a reversible snap connection to the zip slider.

By providing a reversible snap connection between the zip extension and the zip slider, the zip extension can be easily attached or detached when needed while still providing sufficient connection to operate the zip slider. By the integration of a snap connection into a zip closure system, the desirable design of the zip closure can be maintained while gaining the ease of operation provided by the snap connection. It is recognized that the snap connection provides a more intuitive means for connecting the zip extension to the zip slider compared to other systems such as hooks, clips, or knots. The snap connection may provide auditory and/or tactile feedback when connecting the zip extension to the zip slider, thereby allowing the user to readily determine that the connection has been estabhshed, especially when operating a garment with back closure where the zipper mechanism can not be directly seen. The reversible snap connection can e.g. be provided by a snap fastener such as a snap button which may provide an audible click when closing the button. By providing a rigid connector part and a flexible tail part, it can be easier for a user to operate the zip slider, especially when a long zip closure is provided across the back of a garment. For easy separation, an opening lip can be provided on the zip extension that extends beyond a perimeter of the zip slider for allowing a user to apply a separation force thereto. By attaching the flexible tail part at one end of the rigid connector part it can be prevented that a pulling force, used to operate the slider, inadvertently detaches the extension from the slider. For this reason also, a direction of the separation force is preferably transverse to a direction of the pulling force. By providing a pivot hinge that allows at least a flexible tail part of the zip extension to freely rotate with respect to the zip slider, the user can grab hold of the zip extension and operate it e.g. from a bottom to a top of the garment without tangling up the mechanism. By providing resilient metal parts that fit together to form the snap connection, a durable and reliable system is obtained. To properly operate the zip extension from a lower end of the back to just below the neck it is found preferable to provide the zip extension with a length of more than 60 centimetres, preferably more than 70 centimetres. To prevent tangling, a length of the zip extension is preferably kept below one meter. By these and other measures described herein, a zip closure system is thus provided that offers the desired design freedom while being more easily operable.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a garment comprising the zip closure system as described herein. A garment with the presently disclosed zip closure system can provide an improved ease of operation without compromising the design of the garment. As detailed herein, the presently disclosed zip closure system provides particular benefit to garments with a zip closure on a back of the garment such as a typical woman’s dress.

In a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method for operating a zip closure system, in particular on a backside of a garment. The zip closure system comprises a zip slider and a zip closure.

The method comprises attaching a zip extension to the zip slider at a starting position of the zip slider. The zip extension extends a distance over which the zip slider can be operated for fastening and unfastening the zip closure. The method further comprises pulling the zip extension for fastening or unfastening the zip closure from the starting position to an end position of the zip shder. Finally, the method further comprises detaching the zip extension from the zip slider at the end position of the zip slider. In particular, the zip extension is attached and detached to and from the zip slider by a reversible snap connection. This method provides a preferred operation of the zip closure system as described herein with similar benefits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing wherein: FIG 1 schematically illustrates an overview of an embodiment of the zip closure system; FIGs 2A-2B schematically illustrate a method of operating the zip closure system in back closure of a woman’s dress; FIGs 3A-3C schematically illustrate cross-section views of an embodiment of a snap connection; FIGs 4A-4C schematically illustrate front views of embodiments of a zip slider.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs as read in the context of the description and drawings. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. In some instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices and methods may be omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present systems and methods. Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It will be further understood that when a particular step of a method is referred to as subsequent to another step, it can directly follow said other step or one or more intermediate steps may be carried out before carrying out the particular step, unless specified otherwise. Likewise it will be understood that when a connection between structures or components is described, this connection may be established directly or through intermediate structures or components unless specified otherwise. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. A snap connection (also referred to as snap fit connection) is formed between interlocking complementary shapes that are pushed together overcoming a threshold force associated with a reversible deformation of one or both of the shapes. When the pieces snap into place, this is usually accompanied by a corresponding snapping or clicking sound from which the connection owes its name. The snap connection is typically reversible, i.e. wherein the connection can be repeatedly formed and released without substantially damaging the components. Notable examples of a snap connection include the snap fastener or snap button, also referred to as snap, popper, and press stud. A snap button typically comprises a pair of interlocking shapes, e.g. a circular protrusion or lip under one disc fits into a corresponding cavity or groove on the top of the other, holding them fast until a certain amount of force is applied. The snap button is typically made out of a metal or plastic.

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and/or cross-section illustrations of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the zip closure system (10) be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise. FIG 1 shows a zip closure system 10 comprising a zip shder 1 capable of fastening and unfastening a zip closure 2. The zip closure system 10 further comprises a zip extension 3 arranged for attaching to the zip slider 1. The zip extension 3 extends a distance over which the zip slider 1 can be operated for fastening and unfastening the zip closure 2. Where the normal operational distance is determined by a length XI of the zip slider, this distance is increased to X2 when the zip extension 3 is attached to the zip slider 1. The zip extension 3 of the present disclosure is arranged for forming a reversible snap connection S to the zip slider 1.

In one embodiment, the slider 1 and the zip extension 3 comprise corresponding parts of a snap fastener such as a snap button that fit together to form the snap connection S. While a snap fastener is traditionally used as an alternative to a zip closure, the present embodiment incorporates the snap fastener into the zip slider.

In one embodiment the slider 1 and the zip extension 3 comprise resilient metal parts that interlock together to form the snap connection S.

It is found that metal part may provide an improved durabihty over other materials, e.g. plastic. In one embodiment, the metal parts comprise a titanium alloy. This metal is found to be particularly suitable for the present purposes, in particular for the parts forming the snap connection.

In one embodiment, the zip extension 3 comprises a rigid connector part 7 capable of forming the snap connection S with the zip slider 1. The zip extension 3 further comprises a flexible tail part 8 attached to the connector part 7 for pulling the zip extension 3 to operate the zip slider 1 with respect to the zip closure 2. The flexible tail part 8 may e.g. comprise a rope, chain, or ribbon. Preferably the zip extension has a total length XT of less than 100 centimetres to prevent tangling of the flexible tail part 8. The connector part 7 comprises a protrusion 4 that fits into a corresponding hole 5 formed in the zip slider 1 to form the snap connection S. The connector part 7 can be flipped to have the protrusion 4 on a backside to push the protrusion 4 down into the hole 5. In one embodiment, the connector part 7 comprises a button 9 comprising a protrusion 4.

In one embodiment, the zip extension has a length XT of more than 60 centimetres, preferably more than 70 centimetres to allow a person, holding an end of the flexible tail part 8 while the zip extension connector part 7 is connected to the zip slider 1, to move her arm from a lower position to an upper position and back to properly operate the zip slider 1.

In one embodiment, the zip extension 3 comprises or forms a pivot hinge for allowing the zip extension 3 or at least a flexible tail part 8 of the zip extension 3 to freely rotate with respect to the zip slider 1 while forming a snap connection S therewith. This may prevent tangling when the user moving her arms up and down while holding the zip extension 3. FIGs 2A and 2B illustrate a zip closure system 10 comprised in a garment 20. One method for operating a zip closure system 10 comprises attaching a zip extension 3 to the zip shder 1 at a starting position of the zip slider 1, pulling the zip extension 3 for fastening or unfastening the zip closure 2 from the starting position to an end position of the zip slider 1, and detaching the zip extension 3 from the zip slider 1 at the end position of the zip slider 1. In the present disclosure, the zip extension 3 is attached and detached to and from the zip slider 1 by a reversible snap connection.

In FIG 2A, a user 30 pulls the zip slider 1 down with pulhng force FP via the zip extension 3 to unfasten the zip closure 2. In FIG 2B, the user 30 pulls the zip slider 1 up with pulling force FP’ via the zip extension 3 to fasten the zip closure 2. Preferably, at least a top end 2a of the zip closure 2 and a bottom end 2b of the zip closure 2 are accessible to the user 30 when the garment 20 is worn by said user for attaching and detaching the zip extension 3 to and from the zip slider 1.

In the embodiment shown, the garment 20 is a dress, however the zip closure system 10 as disclosed herein may also find application in other garments that are otherwise difficult to access. In the embodiment shown, the zip closure 2 is arranged to form a back closure of the garment 20 (when conventionally worn by a user). It is recognized that the present systems and method provide particular benefit for back closures, not only for dresses but also other garments having a zip closure in the back, e.g. a wet suit. FIGs 3A-3C schematically illustrate cross-section views of an embodiment of a snap connection. In FIG 3A the connector part 7 and zip slider 1 are brought together by a combining force FC to push a protrusion 4 on the connector part 7 into a corresponding hole 5 in the zip slider 1. In FIG 3B, the combining force FC’ is continually applied while the head 4a of the protrusion 4 has been compressed to fit through the hole 5. In FIG 3C, the head 4a expands at the other end of the hole to form the snap fit connection.

In one embodiment, the snap connection S provides an audible snapping sound K, e.g. click, when connecting the zip extension 3 to the zip slider 1. A sound may also occur when the connection is broken. For the sound to be heard by a user, it is preferable that it is sufficiently loud, e.g. the snap connection producing a sound pressure level of more than 50 decibels at 1 meter distance (at a standard reference pressure of 20 micro Pascal). Preferably the sound is even louder, e.g. more than 60 decibels, or even more than 70 decibels. It is recognized that the snapping sound provides a desirable feedback to a user that the connection between the zip slider 1 and zip extension 3 has been established, especially when operating the system where it can not be seen, e.g. behind the back.

In one embodiment, one of the zip slider 1 or zip extension 3 comprises a protrusion 4 and the other of the zip slider 1 or zip extension 3 comprises a corresponding hole or recess 5, wherein the zip extension 3 is arranged for forming a reversible snap connection S to the zip shder 1 by forcibly inserting the protrusion 4 into the hole or recess 5. In a further embodiment, a head 4a of the protrusion 4 comprises an outer diameter D1 that is larger than an inner diameter D2 of the hole or recess 5 in absence of external pressure, and wherein material of the head 4a (e.g. as indicated by reference numeral D Γ) and/or material surrounding the hole or recess 5 is reversibly deformable under pressure for temporarily decreasing the diameter D1 of the head 4a and/or increasing the diameter D2 of the hole or recess 5 when the head 4a is pushed with a threshold force FC through or into the hole or recess 5 for forming an interlocking snap connection therewith. In one embodiment, the head 4a is connected to the rest of the connector part 7 via a neck 4b having a narrower diameter than that of the head 4a.

In one embodiment, the connector part 7 comprises an opening lip 7a that extends beyond a perimeter la of the zip slider 1 when the connector part 7 is connected to the zip slider 1. This may allow application of a separation force FS to the opening hp 7a for separating the connector part 7 from the zip slider 1.

In one embodiment, the tail part 8 is attached asymmetrically at one end 7e of the connector part 7. For example, the present embodiment illustrates a snap button 7 attached to a rope 8, wherein the rope is attached to a side of the button. By the asymmetric attachment, a pulling force FP is less likely to break the snap connection.

In one embodiment, a direction of a separation force FS applied to the zip extension 3 for separating the zip extension 3 from the zip slider 1 is transverse to a direction of a pulling force FP applied to the zip extension 3 for fastening or unfastening the zip closure 2. This can prevent unintended breaking of the snap connection when the user pulls the zip extension 3 to fasten or unfasten the zip closure. FIGs 4A-4C schematically illustrate front views of embodiments of a zip slider. FIG 4A shows a traditional zip slider 1 having a hole 5 of diameter D2. A suitable zip extension, e.g. as shown in the previous figures may comprise a corresponding protrusion that forms a snap connection with the hole 5. It is noted that the traditional zip slider 1 may not provide a very flexible material for accommodating the snap connection and could rely more on the flexibility of the protrusion on the zip extension. FIG 4B shows an embodiment wherein the zip slider 1 comprises a hole or recess 5 with one or more resilient elements 5a shaping a diameter D2 of the hole or recess 5. The resilient elements 5a may help in defining a desirable snap force together with a resilience of the corresponding protrusion of the zip extension. FIG 4C shows another embodiment with resilient elements 5a, but oriented in a horizontal instead of vertical direction. By having the resilient elements 5a oriented transverse to the pulling force FP, these may provide additional protection against unintended disconnection of the zip extension.

While example embodiments were shown for a zip closure system, also alternative ways may be envisaged by those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure for achieving a similar function and result. E.g. elements of the zip extension may be combined or split up into one or more alternative components. The various elements of the embodiments as discussed and shown offer certain advantages, such as lengthening a reach of a zip closure. Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the above embodiments or processes may be combined with one or more other embodiments or processes to provide even further improvements in finding and matching designs and advantages. It is appreciated that this disclosure offers particular advantages to back closures, and in general can be applied for any application wherein a zip is otherwise difficult to reach.

While the present systems and methods have been described in particular detail with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, it should also be appreciated that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments wherein devices or systems are disclosed to be arranged and/or constructed for performing a specified method or function inherently disclose the method or function as such and/or in combination with other disclosed embodiments of methods or systems. Furthermore, embodiments of methods are considered to inherently disclose their implementation in respective hardware, where possible, in combination with other disclosed embodiments of methods or systems. Furthermore, methods that can be embodied as program instructions, e.g. on a non-transient computer-readable storage medium, are considered inherently disclosed as such embodiment.

Finally, the above-discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present systems and/or methods and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit, their scope; several "means" may be represented by the same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. In particular, all working combinations of the claims are considered inherently disclosed.

Claims

1. Een ritsshiiting-systeem (10) omvattende - een ritsschuiver (1) die in staat is om een ritssluiting (2) te sluiten en te ontsluiten; en - een rits verlengstuk (3) ingericht om vast te maken aan de ritsschuiver (1) voor het verlengen van een afstand (XI—>X2) waarover de ritsschuiver (1) bediend kan worden voor het sluiten en ontsluiten van de ritssluiting (2); waarbij het rits verlengstuk (3) is ingericht om een reversibele klikverbinding (S) met de ritsschuiver (1) te vormen.A zipper shitting system (10) comprising - a zipper slider (1) capable of closing and unlocking a zipper (2); and - a zipper extension (3) adapted to attach to the zipper slide (1) for extending a distance (X1 - > X2) over which the zipper slide (1) can be operated for closing and unlocking the zipper ( 2); wherein the zipper extension (3) is adapted to form a reversible snap connection (S) with the zipper slide (1).

2. Ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de schuiver (1) en het ritsverlengstuk (3) corresponderende delen bevatten van een drukverbinding zoals een drukknoop die samen passen om de klikverbinding te vormen (S).The zipper system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the slider (1) and the zipper extension (3) contain corresponding parts of a snap connection such as a snap button that fit together to form the snap connection (S).

3. Ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de klikverbinding (S) een hoorbare klik (K) verschaft wanneer het rits verlengstuk (3) met de ritsschuiver (1) wordt verbonden.The zipper system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the snap connection (S) provides an audible click (K) when the zipper extension (3) is connected to the zipper slide (1).

4. Ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het ritsverlengstuk (3) een rigide verbindingsdeel (7) omvat dat in staat is om de klikverbinding (S) met de ritsschuiver (1) te vormen; en een flexibel staartdeel (8) verbonden met het verbindingsdeel (7) om aan het rits verlengstuk (3) te trekken om de ritsschuiver (1) ten opzichte van de ritssluiting (2) te bedienen.A zipper system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the zipper extension (3) comprises a rigid connecting part (7) capable of forming the snap connection (S) with the zipper (1); and a flexible tail member (8) connected to the connecting member (7) to pull on the zipper extension (3) to operate the zipper slide (1) relative to the zipper (2).

5. Ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens conclusie 4, waarbij het rigide verbindingsdeel (7) een openings-lipje (7 a) omvat dat zich uitstrekt tot voorbij een rand (la) van de ritsschuiver (1) wanneer het verbindingsdeel (7) is verbonden met de ritsschuiver (1), om toe te staan dat een scheidingskracht (FS) op het openings-lipje (7a) wordt aangebracht voor het van de ritsschuiver (1) scheiden van het verbindingsdeel (7).The zipper system (10) according to claim 4, wherein the rigid connecting member (7) comprises an opening tab (7a) extending beyond an edge (1a) of the zipper slide (1) when the connecting member (7) is connected to the zipper slide (1) to allow a separation force (FS) to be applied to the opening tab (7a) for separating the connecting part (7) from the zipper slide (1).

6. Ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens conclusie 4 of 5, waarbij het flexibele staartdeel (8) asymmetrisch is verbonden aan een uiteinde (7e) van het rigide verbindingsdeel (7).The zipper system (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the flexible tail portion (8) is asymmetrically connected to one end (7e) of the rigid connecting portion (7).

7. Ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens conclusie 5 of 6, waarbij een richting van scheidingskracht (FS) die wordt aangebracht op het ritsverlengstuk (3) voor het scheiden van het rits verlengstuk (3) van de ritsschuiver (1) dwars staat op een richting van trekkracht (FP) die wordt aangebracht op het rits verlengstuk (3) voor het sluiten of ontsluiten van de ritssluiting (2).The zipper system (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a direction of separation force (FS) applied to the zipper extension (3) for separating the zipper extension (3) from the zipper slider (1) a direction of tensile force (FP) applied to the zipper extension (3) for closing or unlocking the zipper (2).

8. Ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het ritsverlengstuk (3) een zwenkscharnier omvat of vormt voor het toestaan dat het ritsverlengstuk (3) of tenminste een flexibel staartdeel (8) van het rits verlengstuk (3) vrij kan roteren ten opzichte van de ritsschuiver (1) terwijl het een khkverbinding (S) daarmee vormt.A zipper system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the zipper extension (3) comprises or forms a pivot hinge for allowing the zipper extension (3) or at least one flexible tail portion (8) of the zipper extension (3) can rotate relative to the zipper slide (1) while forming a khk connection (S) therewith.

9. Ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de schuiver (1) en het rits verlengstuk (3) veerkrachtige metalen delen omvatten die in elkaar grijpen om de klikverbinding te vormen (S).A zipper system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slider (1) and the zipper extension (3) comprise resilient metal parts interlocking to form the snap connection (S).

10. Ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het ritsverlengstuk een lengte (XT) heeft van meer dan 60 centimeter.A zipper system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the zipper extension has a length (XT) of more than 60 centimeters.

11. Ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij een van de ritsschuiver (1) of het ritsverlengstuk (3) een uitstulping (4) omvat en de andere van de ritsschuiver (1) of het rits verlengstuk (3) een corresponderend gat of uitsparing (5) omvat, waarbij een hoofd (4a) van de uitstulping (4) een buitendiameter (D1) omvat die groter is dan een binnendiameter (D2) van het gat of de uitsparing (5) in afwezigheid van externe druk, en waarbij materiaal van het hoofd (4a) en/of materiaal rond het gat of de uitsparing (5) reversibel te vervormen is onder druk voor het tijdelijk verkleinen van de diameter (Dl) van het hoofd (4a) en/of vergroten van de diameter (D2) van het gat of de uitsparing (5) wanneer het hoofd (4a) met een drempelwaarde kracht (Fl) door of in het gat of de uitsparing (5) wordt gedrukt voor het daarmee vormen van een in elkaar grijpende klikverbinding.The zipper system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the zipper slider (1) or the zipper extension (3) comprises a protrusion (4) and the other of the zipper slider (1) or the zipper extension (3) comprises a corresponding hole or recess (5), wherein a head (4a) of the protrusion (4) comprises an outer diameter (D1) that is larger than an inner diameter (D2) of the hole or the recess (5) in the absence of external pressure, and wherein material of the head (4a) and / or material around the hole or recess (5) can be reversibly deformed under pressure to temporarily reduce the diameter (D1) of the head (4a) and / or enlarge of the diameter (D2) of the hole or recess (5) when the head (4a) is pushed through or into the hole or recess (5) with a threshold force (F1) to form an interlocking engagement therewith click connection.

12. Ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de ritsschuiver (1) een gat of uitsparing (5) omvat met een of meer veerkrachtige elementen (5a) die een diameter (D2) van het gat of de uitsparing (5) vormen.A zipper system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the zipper slide (1) comprises a hole or recess (5) with one or more resilient elements (5a) having a diameter (D2) of the hole or recess ( 5) forms.

13. Kledingstuk (20) omvattende het ritssluiting-systeem (10) volgens een der voorgaande conclusies.A garment (20) comprising the zipper system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. Kledingstuk (20) volgens conclusie 13, waarbij de ritssluiting (2) is ingericht om een sluiting aan de rug van het kledingstuk (20) te vormen.A garment (20) according to claim 13, wherein the zipper (2) is adapted to form a closure on the back of the garment (20).

15. Werkwijze voor het bedienen van een ritssluiting-systeem (10), in het bijzonder aan een rugzijde van een kledingstuk (2), waarbij het ritssluiting-systeem (10) een ritsschuiver (1) en een ritssluiting (2) omvat; de werkwijze omvattende - het vastmaken van een rits verlengstuk (3) aan de ritsschuiver (1) in een startpositie van de ritsschuiver (1), voor het verlengen van een afstand (XI—>X2) waarover de ritsschuiver (1) bediend kan worden voor het sluiten en ontsluiten van de ritssluiting (2); - het aan het ritsverlengstuk (3) trekken voor het sluiten of ontsluiten van de ritssluiting (2) van de startpositie naar een eindpositie van de ritsschuiver (1); en - het losmaken van het rits verlengstuk (3) van de ritsschuiver (1) in de eindpositie van de ritsschuiver (1); waarbij - het ritsverlengstuk (3) door middel van een reversibele khkverbinding (S) wordt vastgemaakt aan en losgemaakt van de ritsschuiver (1).Method for operating a zipper system (10), in particular on a back of an item of clothing (2), wherein the zipper system (10) comprises a zipper slide (1) and a zipper (2); the method comprising - attaching a zipper extension (3) to the zipper slider (1) in a starting position of the zipper slider (1), for extending a distance (X1 - > X2) over which the zipper slider (1) can be operated to close and unlock the zipper (2); - pulling the zipper extension (3) to close or unlock the zipper (2) from the start position to an end position of the zipper (1); and - releasing the zipper extension (3) from the zipper slider (1) in the end position of the zipper slider (1); - the zipper extension (3) is attached to and detached from the zipper slide (1) by means of a reversible khk connection (S).