WO2014138873A1

WO2014138873A1 - Zipper system and slider for zipper system

Info

Publication number: WO2014138873A1
Application number: PCT/CA2014/000195
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kathryn Elizabeth TOIVONEN
Original assignee: Toivonen Kathryn Elizabeth
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-10
Publication date: 2014-09-18
Also published as: US20140259562A1

Abstract

A zipper system comprises a slider, a pull-tab, an insertion pin, a retainer box, at least one set of teeth, and material that the at least one set of teeth is coupled to. In addition, the slider comprises or is coupled to a first miniature, which comprises one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth. Further, the insertion pin may comprise or be coupled to a second miniature that is correlated to the first miniature, or may comprise colour or illustration that is correlated to the first miniature

Description

ZIPPER SYSTEM AND SLIDER FOR ZIPPER SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[oooi] The present disclosure relates to zippers, and in particular to zippers that may be easier for children and others to operate. BACKGROUND

[0002] The design of modern zippers, and their use in clothing and other applications, have been known for decades. See, for example, US Patent No. 1,219,881 to Sunback in this regard. Although individual zipper designs are the subject of minor changes and variations, the main components typically remain the same, and include: a slider with a pull-tab connected thereto; and, two sets of interlocking teeth. Today, the combination of the slider and two sets of teeth are used to make half-zipper systems, that is, zipper systems whereby the slider remains in constant engagement with the two sets of interlocking teeth. As illustrated in Figure 2, a conventional full-zipper system 200 typically includes at least two additional elements: an insertion pin 204; and, a retainer box 205 to receive the insertion pin. In the full-zipper system 200, the slider 101 is engaged to one set of interlocking teeth 202, and can be engaged or disengaged from the other set of interlocking teeth 203. The full-zipper system 200 is engaged or fastened by positioning the slider 101 in contact with the retainer box 205. The insertion pin 204 is passed through the opening 103 of the slider 101 and received in the retainer box 205. Once in place, a pull-tab 201 can be pulled such that the slider 101 moves away from the retainer box 205 and causes the two sets of teeth 202, 203 to interlock thereby fastening the zipper system 200.

[0003] Some children have difficulties understanding how zipper systems function, and with operating zipper systems. As a result, such children are less independent and may require adult guidance for operating zipper systems. It is therefore desirable to have a new zipper system that may be easier for a child (or other person such as a person with a disability) to operate, and/or that is fashionable, fun or trendy. SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a slider for a zipper, wherein the slider comprises or is coupled to a miniature, and wherein the miniature comprises one or more openings for receiving one or more sets of teeth associated with the zipper.

[0005] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the miniature comprises an animal or a character, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the one or more sets of teeth associated with the zipper comprises at least partially a mouth of the animal or character miniature.

[0006] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the miniature comprises a building or structure, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the one or more sets of teeth associated with the zipper comprises at least partially a door of the building or structure miniature.

[0007] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the miniature comprises a machine, kitchenware, container, habitat, plant, vehicle or other mode of transportation, or piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item, wherein the one or more openings for receiving one or more sets of teeth associated with the zipper comprises at least partially an opening of the machine, kitchenware, container, habitat, plant, vehicle or other mode of transportation, or piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item miniature.

[0008] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a pull-tab is coupled to the slider, wherein the pull-tab comprises one or more of a shape, colour or illustration that is correlated to the miniature.

[0009] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a zipper system comprises a slider, a pull-tab, an insertion pin, a retainer box, at least one set of teeth, and material that the at least one set of teeth is coupled to, wherein the slider comprises or is coupled to a first miniature, and wherein the first miniature comprises one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth. [oooio] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the first miniature comprises an animal or a character, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth comprises at least partially a mouth of the animal or character miniature. [ooon] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the first miniature comprises a building or structure, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth comprises at least partially a door of the building or structure miniature.

[00012] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the first miniature comprises a machine, kitchenware, container, habitat, plant, vehicle or other mode of transportation, or piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth comprises at least partially an opening of the machine, kitchenware, container, habitat, plant, vehicle or other mode of transportation, or piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item miniature. [00013] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the insertion pin comprises or is coupled to a second miniature that is correlated to the first miniature.

[00014] ^m accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, one or more of the following comprise one or more of a shape, colour or illustration that is correlated to the first miniature or to the second miniature: the retainer box; the pull-tab; the at least one set of teeth; and the material that the at least one set of teeth is coupled to.

[00015] ^m accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the second miniature comprises colour or illustration that is correlated to the first miniature.

[00016] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, an article of clothing, a backpack, article of luggage or other bag, a piece of sports equipment, a sleeping bag, a tent, a bracelet, necklace or other article of jewellery, a shoe, a pencil case, or a wallet or purse comprises a zipper system, wherein the zipper system comprises a slider, a pull-tab, an insertion pin, a retainer box, at least one set of teeth, and material that the at least one set of teeth is coupled to, wherein the slider comprises or is coupled to a first miniature, and wherein the first miniature comprises one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00017] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

Figure ιΑ is a top plan view of a conventional slider;

Figures ιΒ is a side view of a conventional slider;

Figures IC is a front view of a conventional slider;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of a conventional full zipper-system;

Figure 3A is a top plan view of a slider in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 3B is a front view of a slider in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 3C is a top plan view of an insertion pin in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 3D is a top plan view of a full-zipper system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 4A is a top plan view of a slider in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 4B is a front view of a slider in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 4C is a top plan view of an insertion pin in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 4D is a top plan view of a full-zipper system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 5A is a top plan view of a slider in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; Figure 5B is a front view of a slider in accordance with an aspect of the present

disclosure;

Figure 5C is a top plan view of an insertion pin in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

5 Figure 5D is a top plan view of a full-zipper system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 6A is a top plan view of a slider in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 6B is a front view of a slider in accordance with an aspect of the present o disclosure;

Figure 6C is a top plan view of an insertion pin in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 6D is a top plan view of a full-zipper system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

5 Figure 7 is a perspective view of a half-zipper system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 8A is a perspective view of a portion of a full-zipper system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 8B is a perspective view of an insertion pin for the full-zipper system of Figure o 8A;

Figure 9A is a top plan view of a slider in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 9B is a front view of a slider in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

5 Figure 9C is a top plan view of an insertion pin in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

Figure 9D is a top plan view of a full-zipper system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[oooi8] Figure lA is a top plan view of a conventional slider 101 comprising a top surface 104. Figure ιΒ is a side view of the same slider 101 comprising a closed hook 105 (or proboscis) for securing a pull-tab to the body of the slider 101. Figure IC is a front view of the same slider 101 comprising a first opening 102, and a second opening 103.

[00019] As seen in Figure 2, a conventional zipper system 200 comprises a slider 101, a pull-tab 201, a first set of interlocking teeth 202, a second set of interlocking teeth 203, an insertion pin 204, and a retainer box 205. These components are attached to one or more pieces of material 206. To fasten the zipper system, the slider 101, which is engaged with the first set of interlocking teeth 202, is positioned to be in contact with the retainer box 205. The insertion pin 204 is passed through the second opening 103 in the slider 101 and received in the retainer box 205. After the insertion pin 204 has been received in the retainer box 205, the pull-tab 201 may be pulled in a direction away from the retainer box 205, thereby causing the slider 101 to move away from the retainer box 205. As the slider 101 moves away from the retainer box 205, the first set of interlocking teeth 202 and the second set of interlocking teeth 203 lock together, thereby fastening the zipper system 200.

[00020] The above-described zipper system is conventional. The zipper system of the present disclosure is described as follows. [00021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a slider for a zipper system comprises a miniature. According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, an insertion pin for a zipper system comprises a miniature. According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, an insertion pin for a zipper system may be coloured or illustrated upon in a manner that is complementary to a slider comprising a miniature. In yet further embodiments of the present disclosure, the retainer box, first and second set of interlocking teeth, pull-tab, surrounding material or combination thereof comprise miniatures, or are coloured or illustrated upon in a manner that is complementary to a slider or insertion pin comprising a miniature. [00022] The miniatures of the present disclosure are preferably objects that are typically familiar to children. Preferably, the insertion pin, retainer box, first and second set of interlocking teeth, pull-tab, or combination thereof will be miniatures, or be coloured or illustrated upon in such a manner that it correlates to the slider miniature. By way of general example, if the slider miniature is an animal, then, preferably, the insertion pin is shaped, coloured and/or illustrated upon as a miniature of food known to be eaten by the animal.

[00023] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a slider 301 in the form of a miniature monkey head. The mouth of the monkey comprises first and second openings 302, 303. The nose 304 of the miniature monkey head is located at the same location as the closed hook or proboscis 105 of conventional slider 101. The eyes 306 and ears 308 of the miniature monkey head are positioned on the top surface 310 of the slider 301. This slider 301 can be used in either half-zipper systems or full-zipper systems.

[00024] The insertion pin 312 of Figure 3C is shaped, coloured and/or illustrated upon as a miniature banana. In a preferred embodiment of the full-zipper system 314, as shown in Figure 3D, the miniature banana insertion pin 312 is used in conjunction with the miniature monkey head slider 301. In addition, in this preferred embodiment of the full- zipper system 314: the retainer box 316 is shaped, coloured and illustrated upon as the stomach of the miniature monkey; the first 318 and second 320 sets of interlocking teeth are at least in part shaped, coloured and illustrated upon as miniature bananas; the pull- tab 322 is shaped, coloured and illustrated upon as a miniature monkey body and tail; and, the pieces of material 324 that the foregoing components are coupled to are coloured and illustrated upon based on a jungle theme. For example, in the case of a monkey, the material 324 may be coloured green and/or may include trees or bananas located intermittently.

[00025] As will be appreciated, various other animal head miniature sliders may be used, including, but not limited to, mammals, invertebrates, amphibians, birds, fish, or reptiles. For example, Figures 4A-4B, 5A-5B and 6A-6B illustrate sliders in the form of miniatures of an alligator (or crocodile) 401, a cat 501 and a bear 601, respectively. Such animal head miniature sliders may include a mouth comprising first and second openings (see 402, 403 of the alligator/crocodile, 502, 503 of the cat, and 602, 603 of the bear), a nose (see 404, 504 and 604, respectively), eyes (see 406, 506 and 606, respectively), and ears (see 408, 508 and 608, respectively).

[00026] In the case of other animal head miniature sliders, the insertion pin miniature is preferably shaped, coloured and/or illustrated upon as a food that the animal of the slider miniature is known to eat. For example, Figures 4C, 5C and 6C illustrate insertion pins in the form of miniatures of a fish 412, a mouse 512 and berries 612, respectively. Figures 4D, 5D and 6D illustrate preferred embodiments of full-zipper systems 414, 514, 614 with the sliders and insertion pins described above. In these preferred embodiments of the full- zipper systems 414, 514, 614: the retainer box 416, 516, 616 is shaped, coloured and illustrated as a miniature stomach of the animal of the slider miniature 401, 501, 601; the first 418, 518, 518 and second 420, 520, 620 sets of interlocking teeth are at least in part shaped, coloured and illustrated upon as miniature food that the animal of the slider miniature is known to eat; the pull-tab 422, 522, 622 is shaped, coloured and illustrated upon as a miniature body part of the animal of the slider miniature 401, 501, 601, such as a miniature body and tail; and, the pieces of material 424, 524, 624 that the foregoing components are coupled to are coloured and illustrated upon based on a habitat of the animal of the slider miniature.

[00027] The purpose of shaping, colouring or illustrating the retainer box as the stomach of the animal of the slider miniature is to provide a zipper system that may be more intuitive for a user. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3D, the miniature monkey head slider 301 is positioned against the retainer box 316. In this position, the combination of the miniature monkey head slider 301, the pull tab monkey body miniature 322, and the retainer box monkey stomach miniature 316 is made to resemble a monkey. To fasten the zipper system 314, the insertion pin banana miniature 312 is inserted into the first opening 302 of the miniature monkey head slider 301. The insertion pin banana miniature 312 must be inserted all the way into the monkey stomach retainer box miniature 316 in order to lock the insertion pin banana miniature 312 into place. Once this is done, the user can pull on the pull tab monkey body miniature 322 to move the miniature monkey head slider 301 along the first 318 and second 320 sets of interlocking teeth, thereby fastening the full-zipper system 314. The same above- described purpose of shaping, colouring or illustrating the retainer box may also apply to the embodiments disclosed in Figures 4D, 5D and 6D.

[00028] In other embodiments, the slider is in the form of a character miniature, such as (but not limited to) a cartoon character, action hero character, or other character that may be identifiable to a child. The mouth, nose, eyes and/or ears of the character may be located in a similar manner as described above with respect to animal miniatures. This slider can be used in either half-zipper systems or full-zipper systems. With respect to a full-zipper system, the insertion pin for such a slider is a miniature, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the character miniature (e.g., food, tool, or other object). Further in this respect, the retainer box, first and second sets of

interlocking teeth, pull-tab, and surrounding material may be miniatures, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the miniature character slider. By way of example, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing: the retainer box may be a miniature body of the character of the slider miniature; the first and second sets of interlocking teeth are at least in part miniature food items that the character of the slider miniature is known to eat; the pull-tab is miniature hair or headwear of the character of the slider miniature; and, the pieces of material that the foregoing components are coupled to are coloured or illustrated upon based on a typical setting of the character of the slider miniature.

[00029] Figure 7 illustrates a slider 701 that is in the form of a miniature combine harvester. A cab 704 for the miniature combine harvester slider 701 may be located at the same location as the closed hook or proboscis 105 of the conventional slider 101, and may secure a pull-tab 201 to the slider 701. The cab 704 and, optionally, a revolving wheel 705 of the miniature combine harvester slider 701 may be positioned on or adjacent to top surface 706 of the slider 701. The first set of interlocking teeth 202 and the second set of interlocking teeth 203 are received in the slider 701 at openings 702 and 703, respectively. Slider 701 can be used in either half-zipper systems, as shown in Figure 7, or full-zipper systems. In a full-zipper system, the insertion pin may be a miniature, or coloured or illustrated upon in such a way that the insertion pin correlates to the miniature combine harvester. In one embodiment in this regard, the insertion pin miniature may be shaped, coloured and/or illustrated as a wheat or corn stalk. In the preferred embodiment of the full-zipper system where the slider 701 is a miniature combine harvester: the retainer box is a miniature shed for farming equipment; the first and second sets of interlocking teeth are at least in part shaped, coloured and/or illustrated upon as wheat or corn stalks; the pull-tab is shaped, coloured and/or illustrated upon as an unloading tube of the combine harvester slider 701; and, the pieces of material that the foregoing components are coupled to are coloured and illustrated upon as fields of wheat or corn. [00030] As will be appreciated, various other miniature machine sliders may be used, including, but not limited to, other agriculture machines, a lawnmower, a snowblower, or a wood chipper. With respect to a full-zipper system, the insertion pin for such a slider is a miniature, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the machine miniature (e.g., grass, snowflake, wood). Further in this respect, the retainer box, first and second sets of interlocking teeth, pull-tab, surrounding material, or combination thereof are miniatures, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the miniature machine slider. By way of example, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing: the retainer box is a miniature storage area for the machine of the miniature slider; the first and second sets of interlocking teeth are at least in part miniature objects known to be consumed by the machine of the miniature slider; the pull-tab is a miniature component of the machine of the slider miniature; and, the pieces of material that the foregoing components are coupled to are coloured and illustrated upon as a typical setting of the machine. [00031] In another embodiment, the slider is in the form of a miniature cup with a handle. The opening of the miniature cup receives the two sets of interlocking teeth of the zipper system. The handle of the miniature cup may be located at the same location as the closed hook or proboscis 105 of the conventional slider 101. This slider can be used in either half-zipper systems or full-zipper systems. In a preferred embodiment of the full-zipper system, the insertion pin for such a slider is a miniature, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the cup miniature (e.g., Cheerios^®, fruit juice). In the preferred embodiment of the full-zipper system where the slider is a miniature cup with a handle: the retainer box is a miniature coaster or table; the first and second sets of interlocking teeth are at least in part coloured or illustrated as fruit juice; the pull-tab is a miniature hook for hanging a drinking cup by its handle; and, the pieces of material that the foregoing components are coupled to are coloured and illustrated upon as a table, counter or kitchen generally.

[00032] As will be appreciated, various other miniature kitchenware sliders may be used, including, but not limited to, a blender, or a bowl. With respect to a full-zipper system, the insertion pin for such a slider is a miniature, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the kitchenware miniature (e.g., food). Further, in this preferred embodiment, the retainer box, first and second sets of interlocking teeth, pull-tab, and surrounding pieces of material are miniatures, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the miniature kitchenware slider.

[00033] Figure 8A illustrates a slider 801 that is in the form of a miniature garage.

Openings 802 and 803 of the miniature garage correlate to openings 102 and 103 of the conventional slider 101. The roof 804 of the miniature garage may secure a pull- tab 201 to slider 801, and be located at about the same location as the closed hook or proboscis 105 of the conventional slider 101, and at or above the conventional top surface 104. This slider 801 can be used in either half-zipper systems or full-zipper systems.

[00034] The insertion pin 806 of Figure 8B is shaped, coloured and/or illustrated as a miniature vehicle. Figure 8B illustrates a car, but it would be appreciated that other types of vehicles or objects may be used (e.g., truck, motorcycle, van, bicycle, tricycle, wagon, etc.). In a preferred embodiment of the full-zipper system, the miniature vehicle insertion pin 806 is used in conjunction with the miniature garage slider 801. In another preferred embodiment, the retainer box is an extension of the miniature garage; the first and second sets of interlocking teeth are at least in part coloured or illustrated as a road; the pull-tab is a miniature chimney; and, the pieces of material that the foregoing

components are coupled to are coloured and illustrated upon as a road or surrounding urban setting.

[00035] As will be appreciated, various other miniature building or structure sliders may be used, including, but not limited to, a school, a shed, a train station, a residence, or a boathouse. With respect to a full-zipper system, the insertion pin for such a slider is a miniature, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the building or structure miniature (e.g., people, equipment, train cars, boat, etc.). Further in this respect, the retainer box, first and second sets of interlocking teeth, pull-tab, surrounding material, or combination thereof are miniatures, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the miniature building slider.

[00036] In another embodiment, the slider is in the form of a miniature carton. The opening of the miniature carton receives the two sets of interlocking teeth of the zipper system. This slider can be used in either half-zipper systems or full-zipper systems. In a preferred embodiment of the full-zipper system, the insertion pin for such a slider is a miniature, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the carton miniature (e.g., Cheerios^®, other cereal, snack bar, etc.). In the preferred embodiment of the full- zipper system where the slider is a miniature carton, the retainer box, the first and second sets of interlocking teeth, the pull-tab, surrounding material, or combination thereof are shaped, coloured and/or illustrated in a way that correlates to the carton miniature.

[00037] As will be appreciated, various other miniature container sliders may be used, including, but not limited to, a bottle, a crate, or a cargo container. With respect to a full- zipper system, the insertion pin for such a slider is a miniature, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the container miniature (e.g., food). Further in this respect, the retainer box, first and second sets of interlocking teeth, pull-tab, surrounding material or combination thereof are miniatures, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the miniature container slider. [00038] In another embodiment, the slider is in the form of a miniature animal habitat, such as a forest, cave, nest, or tunnel. The opening of the miniature habitat receives the two sets of interlocking teeth of the zipper system. This slider can be used in either half- zipper systems or full-zipper systems. In a preferred embodiment of the full-zipper system, the insertion pin and first and second sets of interlocking teeth for such a slider are at least in part miniatures, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the habitat miniature (i.e., animals corresponding to the habitat). Further in this respect, the retainer box, pull-tab and/or surrounding material are shaped, coloured and/or illustrated in the form of a miniature animal habitat that correlates to the miniature animal habitat slider. [00039] In another embodiment, the slider is in the form of a miniature plant. The stem, flowers and/or leaves of the plant are positioned in the same location as the top surface 104 of the conventional slider 101. The base of the miniature plant forms the opening that receives the two sets of interlocking teeth of the zipper system. The slider can be used in either half-zipper systems or full-zipper systems. In a preferred

embodiment of the full-zipper system, the insertion pin and first and second sets of interlocking teeth for such a slider are at least in part miniatures, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the plant (i.e., water to feed the plant, or insects that use the plant). Further in this respect, the retainer box, pull-tab and/or surrounding material are shaped, coloured and/or illustrated in the form of a miniature plant habitat that correlates to the miniature plant slider.

[00040] In another embodiment, the slider is in the form of a miniature vehicle or other mode or form of transportation (e.g., car, truck, van, wagon, train, plane, boat, etc.). The two front wheels of the miniature vehicle define the outside portions of the slider's two

*3 openings that receive the two sets of interlocking teeth of the zipper system. The cab of the miniature vehicle may be located at the same location as the closed hook or proboscis 105 of the conventional slider 101, and positioned at or above top surface 104 of the conventional slider 101. This slider can be used in either half-zipper systems or full- zipper systems. In a preferred embodiment of the full-zipper system, the insertion pin and first and second sets of interlocking teeth for such a slider are at least in part miniatures, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the vehicle or other mode of transportation miniature (e.g., a road, railroad track, runway, waterway, etc.). Further in this respect, the retainer box, pull-tab and surrounding material are

miniatures, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the vehicle or other mode of transportation of the slider.

[00041] In another embodiment, the slider is in the form of a miniature piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item (e.g., goal, net, glove, logo, mascot, player, etc.). The opening of the miniature piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item receives the two sets of interlocking teeth of the zipper system. This slider can be used in either half-zipper systems or full-zipper systems. In a preferred embodiment of the full- zipper system, the insertion pin and first ahd second sets of interlocking teeth for such a slider are at least in part miniatures, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the miniature piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item (i.e., ball, puck, stick, etc.). This preferred embodiment also includes a retainer box, a pull-tab and surrounding material that are shaped, coloured and/or illustrated in a way that correlates to the miniature piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item. An example of this preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figure 9 and is explained below.

[00042] Figures 9A-9D illustrate: the slider as a miniature football 901; the insertion pin as a miniature football cleat 912; the retainer box as a miniature football tee 916 for kicking purposes; and the surrounding material shaped, coloured and/or illustrated as a football field 924 (e.g., the surrounding material 924 includes football field markings). The top surface of the standard slider is replaced by a miniature portion of a football 905. Although the embodiment shown depicts the football dissected lengthwise, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The miniature football slider 901

comprises first 902 and second 903 openings for receiving the first 918 and second 920 sets of interlocking teeth. [00043] In addition, the pull-tab 922 is a piece of fabric or other material depicting a name, logo, or other type of indicia. The correlation of the miniature football cleat 912 to the miniature football 901 may be more intuitive for a user, as the cleat 912, when pulled towards the football 901, may be understood as a being akin to kicking the football 901. This same correlation may apply to other sports in addition to football, including hockey (i.e., miniature puck slider, miniature stick insertion pin, miniature net retainer box, and ice rink markings on surrounding materials), and baseball (i.e., miniature baseball slider, miniature bat insertion pin, miniature glove retainer box and baseball diamond markings on surrounding materials).

[00044] In an alternative embodiment, the slider is not in the form of a miniature, but rather is able to have a miniature coupled, attached or clipped to it. Such attached miniature is a separate component from the slider, and may take the form of any one of the miniatures described herein. Preferably, such a miniature has one or more openings for receiving the two sets of interlocking teeth of the zipper system. Similarly, the insertion pin, rather than being in the form of a miniature, may have a miniature coupled, attached or clipped to it. In a preferred embodiment of the full-zipper system, the insertion pin, retainer box, first and second sets of interlocking teeth, pull-tab, and surrounding material for such a slider are at least in part miniatures, or coloured or illustrated upon in a way that correlates to the attached miniature.

[00045] It will be appreciated that the sliders and/or zipper systems described herein could be used with and incorporated into various articles. For example, the sliders and/or zipper systems described herein may be incorporated into one of the following: an article of clothing; a backpack, article of luggage or other bag; a piece of sports equipment; a sleeping bag; a tent; a bracelet, necklace or other article of jewellery; a shoe; a pencil case; or a wallet or purse.

[00046] As will be appreciated, miniature sliders and retainer boxes of the present disclosure may require alteration with respect to shape or design as compared to conventional sliders and retainer boxes. Such alteration allows for the miniature retainer box to accept or engage with the miniature insertion pin based on the shape or design of the miniature insertion pin.

[00047] Various embodiments of sliders that are miniatures, as well as corresponding insertion pins, retainer boxes, first and second sets of interlocking teeth, pull-tabs, and surrounding materials that are at least in part miniatures or otherwise coloured or illustrated upon, have been described. The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples of the present invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A slider for a zipper, wherein the slider comprises or is coupled to a miniature, and wherein the miniature comprises one or more openings for receiving one or more sets of teeth associated with the zipper.

2. The slider of claim ι, wherein the miniature comprises an animal or a character, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the one or more sets of teeth associated with the zipper comprises at least partially a mouth of the animal or character miniature.

3. The slider of claim 1, wherein the miniature comprises a building or structure, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the one or more sets of teeth associated with the zipper comprises at least partially a door of the building or structure miniature.

4. The slider of claim 1, wherein the miniature comprises a machine, kitchenware, container, habitat, plant, vehicle or other mode of transportation, or piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item, wherein the one or more openings for receiving one or more sets of teeth associated with the zipper comprises at least partially an opening of the machine, kitchenware, container, habitat, plant, vehicle or other mode of transportation, or piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item miniature.

5. The slider of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a pull-tab is coupled to the slider, and wherein the pull-tab comprises one or more of a shape, colour or illustration that is correlated to the miniature.

6. A zipper system comprising a slider, a pull-tab, an insertion pin, a retainer box, at least one set of teeth, and material that the at least one set of teeth is coupled to, wherein the slider comprises or is coupled to a first miniature, and wherein the first miniature comprises one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth.

7. The zipper system of claim 6, wherein the first miniature comprises an animal or a character, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth comprises at least partially a mouth of the animal or character miniature.

8. The zipper system of claim 6, wherein the first miniature comprises a building or structure, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth comprises at least partially a door of the building or structure miniature.

9. The zipper system of claim 6, wherein the first miniature comprises a machine, kitchenware, container, habitat, plant, vehicle or other mode of transportation, or piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth comprises at least partially an opening of the machine, kitchenware, container, habitat, plant, vehicle or other mode of transportation, or piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item miniature.

10. The zipper system of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein one or more of the following comprise one or more of a shape, colour or illustration that is correlated to the first miniature:

the insertion pin;

the retainer box;

the pull-tab;

the at least one set of teeth; and

the material that the at least one set of teeth is coupled to.

11. The zipper system of any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the insertion pin comprises or is coupled to a second miniature that is correlated to the first miniature.

12. The zipper system of claim 11, wherein one or more of the following comprise one or more of a shape, colour or illustration that is correlated to the first miniature or to the second miniature:

the retainer box;

the pull-tab;

the at least one set of teeth; and

the material that the at least one set of teeth is coupled to.

13. The zipper system of any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the second miniature comprises colour or illustration that is correlated to the first miniature.

14. An article of clothing, a backpack, article of luggage or other bag, a piece of sports equipment, a sleeping bag, a tent, a bracelet, necklace or other article of jewellery, a shoe, a pencil case, or a wallet or purse comprises a zipper system, wherein the zipper system comprises a slider, a pull-tab, an insertion pin, a retainer box, at least one set of teeth, and material that the at least one set of teeth is coupled to, wherein the slider comprises or is coupled to a first miniature, and wherein the first miniature comprises one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth.

15. The zipper system of claim 14, wherein the first miniature comprises an animal or a character, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth comprises at least partially a mouth of the animal or character miniature.

16. The zipper system of claim 14, wherein the first miniature comprises a building or structure, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth comprises at least partially a door of the building or structure miniature.

17. The zipper system of claim 14, wherein the first miniature comprises a machine, kitchenware, container, habitat, plant, vehicle or other mode of transportation, or piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item, wherein the one or more openings for receiving the at least one set of teeth comprises at least partially an opening of the machine, kitchenware, container, habitat, plant, vehicle or other mode of transportation, or piece of sports equipment or other sporting-related item miniature.

18. The zipper system of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein one or more of the following comprise one or more of a shape, colour or illustration that is correlated to the first miniature:

the insertion pin;

the retainer box;

the pull-tab;

the at least one set of teeth; and

the material that the at least one set of teeth is coupled to.

19. The zipper system of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the insertion pin comprises or is coupled to a second miniature that is correlated to the first miniature.

20. The zipper system of claim 19, wherein one or more of the following comprise one or more of a shape, colour or illustration that is correlated to the first miniature or to the second miniature:

the retainer box;

the pull-tab;

the at least one set of teeth; and

the material that the at least one set of teeth is coupled to.

21. The zipper system of any one of claims 19 to 20, wherein the second miniature comprises colour or illustration that is correlated to the first miniature.