WO2008090339A1

WO2008090339A1 - Zip fastener

Info

Publication number: WO2008090339A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/000234
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tsuyoshi Minato
Original assignee: Ykk Europe Limited
Priority date: 2007-01-23
Filing date: 2008-01-23
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: GB0701271D0

Abstract

A zip fastener having a woven or knitted tape (4, 6) has a bead (22) of polymer material moulded onto the tape. The bead provides a profile which is proud of the tape surface and can be gripped by a cooperating formation or provide resistance to puckering of the tape. The bead may be provided at the tape edge (20) or inward of the tape edge. The join of the bead to the tape may be reinforced by providing apertures (50) in the tape (4, 6) for the bead (22) to penetrate, a cord (54) in the tape or a polymer coating layer (72) extending over the tape surface.

Description

Zip Fastener

The present invention relates to a zip fastener and in particular to a zip fastener having a bead moulded along a tape of the fastener for securing the fastener to a co-operating article.

Utility model JP-UM-4-2570 shows a moulded fastener tape which is shaped to lock the tape in an extrusion which is attached, in turn, to the body of a suitcase or the like. In JP-UM-4-51214 a cord is provided in a pocket at the tape edge and is gripped by a rolled edge of the suitcase. JP-UM-51-98704 shows a bead at the tape edge for securing to an edging strip of a floor covering. DE- A-2617889 shows a more complex formation moulded on to the tape edge.

In one aspect of the invention we provide a zip fastener having a woven or knitted tape and a bead moulded onto the tape, the bead extending longitudinally of the tape.

The bead provides a profile which is proud of the tape surface and can be gripped by a cooperating formation.

Preferably the exposed bead surface extends through an arc of greater than 180 degrees, and preferably greater than 270 degrees to enable the bead to interlock with a cooperating formation. Preferably the bead has a substantially circular cross-section.

Preferably, the bead is moulded of a polymer material which is compatible with polymer material forming the tape, so as to stick to the tape. The polymer material forming the bead may flow into the interstices of the woven or knitted tape during the moulding operation, to provide an enhanced bond to the tape.

The bead may be provided at an outer edge of the tape distal of the zip fastener fastening elements. In one preferred form, the bead straddles the edge of the fastener tape. The bead may be positioned between the tape outer edge and the fastening elements. In another preferred form, beads are provided on opposite sides of the tape.

Means may be provided for reinforcing or strengthening the bond or join between the bead and the tape.

In one particularly preferred aspect we provide apertures along the tape, and the material forming the bead flows into the apertures. Very preferably, the polymer material forming the bead is continuous along the other side of the tape in the vicinity of the apertures, to secure the bead to the tape.

Where beads are provided on opposite sides of the tape, the beads may be joined through the apertures. A cord may be provided at the tape edge or on the tape surface to form an enlarged region around which the bead is moulded and providing a shape which is gripped by the bead to reinforce the join between the bead and the tape.

The bead preferably extends along substantially the full length of the tape. Preferably the bead extends substantially continuously along the tape.

In a particularly preferred form, the bead is integrally moulded with a coating layer which extends over a surface of the fastener tape. Preferably the coating layer extends from the tape edge to the vicinity of the fastener elements. The relatively extensive interface between the coating layer and the tape will enhance the bond between the polymer material of the bead and coating layer and the tape.

We have also found that the provision of a bead along the tape serves to inhibit puckering of the tape when the fastener is secured to a curved article. The tape may be sewn on to the article.

The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2a and 2b show the first embodiment mounted in a suitcase; and

Figures 3 to 22 illustrate further embodiments of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, this shows schematically a zip fastener 2 comprising two tapes 4, 6 each having a respective continuous coil type fastener element 8, 10 mounted along one edge 12, 14. In the embodiment shown, the elements 8, 10 are coiled around a respective cord 16, 18. The tape 4, 6 may be knitted or woven, and we particularly prefer a woven tape. The tape is typically woven or knitted of a polymer fibre such as polyester. The structure thus far described is well known in the art of zip fasteners and relates in particular to a concealed type fastener. In this embodiment a bead 22 is moulded along an outer edge 20 of the tape 6, distal of the coil element 10.

Bead 22 is of a polymer material which is compatible with the polymer material of the tapes 4, 6, so as to bond to the material when moulded. The material of the bead may be chosen to suit the particular use. Thus a polyester or polybutyl terepthalate polymer may be particularly suited for use with a polyester tape. However, polyurethane may be preferred for a flexible bead, or polyacetal for a hard material.

The bead 22 is extruded on to tape edge 20, the tape edge 20 being fed through an extrusion die.

Bead 22 is of substantially circular cross-section. The outer surface 24 of bead 22 extends over an arc of nearly 360 degrees, interrupted only by the thickness of the tape 6. This facilitates gripping of the bead 22 as will be described in Figure 2 below.

A bead 22 may also be provided on the outer edge 28 of the other tape 4. Bead 22 on edge 28 is partially cut away to show that the edges 20, 28 of tapes 4, 6 are "plain", i.e. they have not been modified compared to a normally woven or knitted tape edge. Referring to Figure 2a, this shows a cross-section through a suitcase 30, shown schematically in Figure 2b. Suitcase 30 has extruded profiles 32, 34, on facing edges of the case wall 36 and the lid 38. The profiles 32, 34 have a longitudinally extending socket in the form of an arcuate section 40, 42 which embraces the beads 22 of the zip fastener 2 to secure the zip fastener to the extruded profiles. The arcuate sections 40, 42 are a close fit around the beads 22 to prevent them sliding along the profiles. The profiles may be moulded as shown and the beads 22 slide into the arcuate sections 40, 42 or could be pinched around the beads 40, 42, for example. The tapes 4, 6 extend out through slots 44, 46.

The beads and arcuate sections 40, 42 may be shaped and dimensioned to enable the beads to be pushed sideways, or edge on, through the slots 44, 46. For example, the bead may taper towards and outer edge, distal of the tape.

Also the bead may be formed only on the upper surface or underneath surface at the tape edge 20, 28, for example.

The profiles 32, 34 could be of other metal material or of plastics, for example. Preferably they extend substantially continuously along the length of the beads 22.

Figures 3 to 21 show further embodiments of the invention.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, apertures 50 are provided along the edges 20, 28 of the tapes 4, 6 to reinforce the join between the bead and the tape. Apertures 50 may be formed when the tapes are knitted or woven, or may be formed later — for example by a stamping or cutting operation. If a heat cutting operation is used the tape fibres may be welded to prevent fraying. The apertures 50 may be formed in a selvedge region provided at the tape edge. The bead 22 covers the apertures 50 and the material of the bead 22 extends through the apertures 50 to mechanically secure the bead to the tape edge 20, 28.

As shown, apertures 50 are square in shape, but it will be appreciated that other shapes, such as circular, may be used. The apertures are spaced only a short distance in from the tape edge to ensure they are covered by the bead 22, but also to ensure that there is sufficient tape material outside of the apertures, i.e. at the tape edge, so as not to weaken the tape. Preferably the apertures extend close to the junction of the outer surface of the bead and the surface of the tape. Similarly, the spacing of the apertures along the tape edge is chosen to provide an even grip of the bead 22 on the tape edge but sufficient tape material between the apertures 50 to avoid substantial weakening of the tape edge.

A bead may be provided on one or both tapes. In the description of the embodiments, a bead is shown on the right hand tape 6 in the drawings, and the tape prior to extrusion of the bead is shown in the left hand side of the drawing for explanation. It will be appreciated that if a bead is not to be extruded onto tape 4, then the tape 4 would likely be a plain tape in practice.

In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 3, the tape edge 20, 28 extends along a diameter of the bead 22, and approximately two-thirds of the distance into the bead, i.e. beyond the mid-point of the bead cross-section. The degree of penetration of the tape edge 20, 28 into the bead 22 will depend on the size and shape of the bead and manufacturing tolerances. It is desirable to maximise the contact area between the bead material and the tape surface to enhance the bond between the bead and the tape 4, 6 .

Referring to Figure 4, in this embodiment the tape edge 20, 28 incorporates a cord 52, 54 to reinforce the join between the bead and the tape. The cord 52, 54 runs longitudinally of the tape and is woven or knitted into the tape edge. Cord 52, 54 provides an enlarged or bulbous region at the edge 20, 28 of the tape. This serves to provide greater resistance to separation of the bead 22 from the tape edge when the bead is pulled laterally away from the tape.

Referring to Figure 5, this is similar to the embodiment of Figure 4, save that apertures 50 are provided in the tapes 4, 6 at the edges 20, 28 as in the embodiment of Figure 3, to further enhance the attachment of the bead 22 to the tape edge 20, 28.

In the embodiment of Figure 6, a bead 60 is moulded on to the upper surface 62 of the tape 6 mid way between the outer tape edge 20 and the coil element 10. The bead need not be positioned mid way but may be positioned closer to one or other of the tape edge 20 and the coil element 10. As indicated above, a bead 60 may also be provided on the other tape 4. Bead 60 bonds to the tape surface 62 as described before, the polymer material of the bead sticking to the material of the tape, and penetrating the interstices of the knitted or woven tape. The bead 60 is of generally circular cross-section, but flatted slightly where it meets the tape 6. It can be seen that the bead outer surface 64 extends though an arc of greater than 270 degrees, forming undercuts 66 at the junction with the tape surface 62, so that the bead can be gripped by a profile such as the arcuate section 40, 42 seen in Figure 2a above. In this embodiment and subsequent embodiments, it will be appreciated that the bead 60 may be provided on the underneath surface 70 of the tape 6, opposite to the coil elements 10.

The embodiment of Figure 7 corresponds to the embodiment of Figure 6, except that a line of apertures 50 is provided in the tapes 4, 6, at the region where the bead 60 is moulded onto the tape surface 62. The material of the bead will penetrate the apertures 50 during moulding to enhance the bond between the tape and the bead.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, a first bead 60 is provided on the upper surface 62 of the tape 6, and a second bead 68 is provided on the underneath surface 70 in line with the first bead, there may be sufficient penetration of the material of the beads 60, 68 into the tape 6 for the material of the two beads to be in contact. In the embodiment of Figure 9, we provide a line of apertures 50 at the location of the beads 60, 68 (shown in tape 4) and the material of the beads penetrates the apertures 50 to form a bridge between the two beads 60, 68 to hold them firmly together with the tape 6 sandwiched between them. As in the previous embodiments, the beads 60, 68 may be provided on one or both tapes 4, 6.

Referring to the embodiment of Figure 10, a single bead is provided on the tape 6, similar to the embodiment of Figure 8, but the upper surface 62 of the tape 6 has a coating layer 72 of the material of bead 60. This coating layer 72 may be coated on to the tape 6 at the same time as the formation of the bead 60, or they may be formed separately, the coating layer 72 being formed initially and then the bead being extruded on to the coating layer. The layer 72 may form a waterproof layer on the tape surface 62. The much greater area of contact between the layer 72 and the tape 6 as compared to the contact area between a bead 60 and tape 6 (in the Figure 6 embodiment for example) reinforces or strengthens the join between the bead and the tape. There is an increased area of bonding and increased resistance to separation of the bead 60 from the tape 6 in the Figure 10 embodiment.

The embodiment of Figure 11 corresponds to the embodiment of Figure 10 but with the addition of a line of apertures 50 in the tape 4, 6 at the location of the bead 60, the material of the coating layer and/or bead penetrating the apertures 50 to enhance the bond with the tape 6. Apertures 50 could be provided at other positions covered by the coating layer 72. They may be provided in addition to the apertures at the location of the bead and be provided at the same or different spacings as those apertures.

The embodiment of Figure 12 corresponds to the embodiment of Figure 10, but a second coating layer 74 is provided on the underneath surface 70 of the tape 6 and a bead 68 provided on the coating layer 74. (It will be appreciated that upper surface and underneath surface are relative terms since a fastener may be used in any orientation). Where coating layers 74 are provided on the underneath surface 70 of both tapes 4, 6, the coating layers may meet at the junction between the tapes 4, 6, to form a water proof or water resistant fastener, as known in the art. The Figure 13 embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of Figure 12, save that apertures 50 are provided in the tape(s) at the position of the beads 60, 68 or elsewhere in the tapes(s) so that the material of the coating layers 72, 74 and/or the beads 60, 68 will penetrate the apertures 50 to bond to each other.

The embodiment of Figure 14 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 1 with a bead 22 formed on the outer edge 20 of the tape 6. Additionally, a coating layer 72 extends from the bead 22 across the upper surface 62 of the tape 6. Coating layer 72 may instead extend over the underneath surface 70 of the tape 6. The embodiment of Figure 15 corresponds to the embodiment of Figure 14, save that a line of apertures 50 is provided at the tape edge 20, under the bead 22, similar to the embodiment of Figure 3. The embodiments of Figures 16 and 17 show two further modifications of the embodiment of Figure 14 and 15 respectively. In these embodiments a coating layer 74 is provided on the underneath surface 70 of the tapes 6, in addition to the coating layer 72 on the upper surface 62. Also, a cord 52, 54 is woven or knitted into the edge 20, 28 ofthe tape 4, 6.

The embodiments of Figures 18 and 19 correspond to the embodiments of Figures 6 and 8, except a cord 80 is provided on the respective surface of the tape 6 at the position of moulding the bead 60, 68 to reinforce the bond between the bead and the tape. The cord 80 may be incorporated on the tape surface at the time the tape is woven or knitted. It may also be provided on the tape after knitting or weaving, for example by sewing the cord 80 to the tape. The cord 80 provides an attachment point for the bead 60, 68 which is moulded around the cord 80.

The embodiments of Figures 20 and 21 correspond to the embodiments of Figures 10 and 12, except a cord is provided at the position of the beads 60, 68, as in the embodiments of Figures 18 and 19.

Figure 22 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 6, but with beads 82 of generally rectangular cross-section extruded onto tape 4. This is particular useful when tape 4 is sewn to a curved article. Beads 82 inhibit puckering of the tape. The stitching line may be between the bead s and the elements 8, between the beads themselves or outside of the beads near the tape edge 28. It is also possible to stitch through a bead.

Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the bead 22, 60, 68 need not be circular in cross-section. The bead provides a shape or profile which can be extruded onto the tape and held by a co-operating formation which surrounds or grips a large circumferential portion of the bead and is provided on the article to which the fastener is to be attached. The shape may be readily compressible for insertion through a slot into a co-operating socket, expanding out to resist being pulled back through the slot. One or more beads may be provided on each tape, the beads may be the same or different, for example a bead 22 on one tape and a bead 60 on the other, or different combinations of the beads.

The fastener tape itself may form part of the shape to be gripped or held.

The invention has been particularly described with respect to a fastener in which the elements are mounted only on one side of the tapes and formed by a continuous coil. Fasteners with other element types, for example moulded on the tape edge as in the applicant's VISLON ™ fastener, or crimped elements, typically of metal, may also be used.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A zip fastener having a woven or knitted tape and a bead moulded onto the tape, the bead extending longitudinally of the tape.

2. A fastener as claimed in claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the bead subtends an arc of greater than 180 degrees.

3. A fastener as claimed in claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the bead subtends an arc than 270 degrees.

4. A fastener as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the bead has an arcuate cross- section.

5. A fastener a claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bead has a substantially circular cross section.

6. A fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bead is moulded of a polymer material which is compatible with a polymer material forming the tape, so as to stick to the tape.

7. A fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the polymer material forming the bead flows into the interstices of the woven or knitted tape during the moulding operation.

8. A fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the bead is provided at an outer edge of the tape distal of the zip fastener coupling elements.

9. A fastener as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bead straddles the tape outer edge.

10. A fastener as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein a cord is provided at the tape edge and the bead is moulded around the cord.

11. A fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bead is positioned between the tape edge and the fastening elements.

12. A fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein a cord is provided on the tape surface and the bead is moulded around the cord.

13. A fastener as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein a bead is provided on each surface of the tape.

14. A fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein apertures are provided in the tape at the position of the bead and the material of the bead penetrates the apertures.

15 A fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein there is provided a coating layer which extends over a surface of the fastener tape and joins with the bead.

16. A fastener as claimed in claim 15, wherein a said coating layer is provided over both surfaces of the tape.

17. A fastener as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the coating layer extends from the tape edge to the vicinity of the fastener elements.

18. A fastener as claimed in claim 17, wherein both fastener tapes have a coating layer thereon to form a waterproof fastener.

19. A fastener as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein apertures are provided in the tape in a region covered by the coating layer or layers, the material of the coating layer penetrating the apertures.

20. A fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 or claim 11, wherein reinforcing means is provided to reinforce or strengthen the join between the bead and the tape.

21. A fastener as claimed in claim 20, wherein the reinforcing means comprises a plurality of apertures provided in the tape at the region of the bead.

22. A fastener as claimed in claim 20 or 21 , wherein the reinforcing means comprises a coating layer extending over the tape surface and integral with the bead.

23. A fastener as claimed in claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein the reinforcing means comprises a cord in the tape edge or proud of the tape surface.

24. A fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein a plurality of beads is provided on a tape.

25 A fastener as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein a bead is provided on each tape of the fastener.

26 A fastener as claimed in claim 25, wherein the bead or beads on one tape are the same shape as the bead or beads on the other tape.