Abstract: An article of clothing with tools incorporated therein. The article of clothing has a strap assembly that has a strap body with first and second strap ends and at least one tool assembly. The at least one tool assembly is secured within the first and/or second strap ends. The at least one tool assembly is a fin key. The at least one tool assembly has a plate and a shaft. The plate is secured within the strap body while a respective shaft protrudes from a respective first or second aperture. The first and second apertures each have a predetermined size to secure the plate within the strap body while a respective shaft protrudes from the respective first or second ends. The strap assembly is incorporated onto an article of clothing such as a boardshort.

Abstract: A zipper type fastener for protective clothing, such as a firefighter or first responder turnout jacket is disclosed. One or more open ends of the zipper may be connected to the protective clothing by a zipper extender that creates a grip area to allow a user to more easily grasp the zipper end component(s) and fasten the zipper.

Abstract: A slide fastener reinforcing strap for securing across an opening formed between first and second tapes of a slide fastener is provided. The slide fastener reinforcing strap extends from a first end to a second end along a centerline. The slide fastener reinforcing strap includes a first protrusion between the first and second ends. The first protrusion extends in a first direction which is perpendicular to the centreline.

Abstract: A rigidifiable flexible device includes a flexible member having flexibility, a plurality of movable members arranged in a line on a path between one end and the other end of the flexible member along a longitudinal direction of the flexible member, the movable members being movable on the path, a stopper provided at the one end of the flexible member and configured to prevent the movable members from being removed from the path beyond the one end of the flexible member, and a blocking member configured to prevent the movable members from being removed from the path beyond the other end of the flexible member. The length of a portion of the path between the blocking member and the stopper is adjustable so that the movable members are brought into close contact with each other on the path to form an integrated support body.

Abstract: A storage bag includes at least one zipper profile provided adjacent to an opening to the interior of the bag. The at least one zipper profile has opposing closure elements that respectively interlock with each other. The storage bag also includes a slider with at least one opening member and at least one detent on at least one end of the bag. The at least one detent is configured to engage with the at least one opening member of the slider to provide a leak-proof end seal.

Abstract: A zipper type fastener for protective clothing, such as a firefighter or first responder turnout jacket is disclosed. One or more open ends of the zipper may be connected to the protective clothing by a zipper extender that creates a grip area to allow a user to more easily grasp the zipper end component(s) and fasten the zipper.

Abstract: A slider assembly includes: a slider comprising upper and lower plates provided with teeth guides, and a post connecting the upper and lower plates, the slider interlocking the teeth while advancing along the teeth arranged a set distance apart on each sides of first and second tapes; and separating the teeth while moving backwards therealong; a locking unit, disposed at the longitudinal-direction end of the first tape, for restricting the backward movement of the slider; and a bottom unit, disposed at the longitudinal-direction end of the second tape, elastically coupling with the locking unit by the vertical pressure (in the direction of the thickness of the tape) applied by the overlapping locking unit pressing down, and uncoupling therefrom by the force of moving the slider backwards. The slider assembly can be included in a zipper.

Abstract: A zipper arrangement is configured to fasten a first fabric portion to a second fabric portion. The zipper arrangement includes a plurality of first zipper elements positioned along the first fabric portion and a plurality of second zipper elements positioned along the second fabric portion. A zipper closure includes a first closure member releasably coupled to a second closure member. The first closure member is positioned on a mid-portion of the first fabric portion and the second closure member is positioned on a mid-portion of the second fabric portion. A first slider is positioned on one side of the zipper closure and a second slider positioned on an opposite side of the zipper closure. When provided on a garment, the zipper arrangement may be used in association with a method for fastening a first garment portion to a second garment portion by moving the sliders in opposing directions.

Abstract: A gripping zipper securing ring for use in securing a zipper includes a ring member having a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion for movement between open and closed configurations. The first portion includes a locking arm having a plurality of teeth. The second portion includes a locking receiver configured to selectively receive the locking arm therein. A release mechanism is situated in the locking receiver that is selectively movable between a locked configuration at which the locking arm is not removable from the locking receiver and a released configuration in which the locking arm is removable therefrom. The release mechanism includes a user operable release member with which to move the release mechanism between locked and released configurations.

Abstract: A headset cord holder comprises a body and a first groove built into the body configured to receive and releasably hold a headset cord. In some embodiments, the first groove has a diameter less than or equal to approximately 2 mm. In further embodiments, the body is integrally formed within the teeth of a zipper. In some embodiments the body comprises one or more of rubber, plastic and metal. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more of stamped metal and molded metal. In further embodiments, the body comprises molded plastic. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more additional grooves configured to receive and releasably secure the headset cord.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a reclosable zipper for a package or bag wherein apertures are formed at periodic package-width intervals passing through the interlocking elements of the zipper profiles in order to minimize the mass of zipper material in areas where side seals of packages or bags will be subsequently formed. The otherwise interlocking elements upstream of, or at the trailing edge of, the apertures are deformed so as to prevent interlocking of the elements through a limited area. This allows a separator pin to pass through the area of the apertures and pass between the zipper profiles, eliminating or reducing the collision of the separator with the zipper profiles and subsequent potential damage to the zipper profiles.

Abstract: This invention provides a fastener tape and a stinger for a slide fastener constituted of a warp knitting or weaving structure and including a tape main portion and a fastener element attaching portion, wherein a warp and a weft, which are composition yarns of the fastener tape, are composed of multifilament yarns and a size of a composition filament of the warp is 1.0 to 2.0 dTex, and a size of that of the weft is 2.0 to 5.0 dTex, these sizes of the single filaments being not larger than ¼ of the conventional composition filament, thereby achieving advantages that they adapt well to a fabric when and after a slide fastener is sewed to a thin fabric having flexibility and excellent drape performance and secure tape strength and coupling strength required as a slide fastener, the fastener tape and stringer ensuring flexibility and soft feeling.

Abstract: The separable bottom end stop assembly has male and female members engageable with and releasable from each other in a front-to-back direction thereof. A slide plate of the male member has an engagement leg portion projected therefrom, while a sliding plate of the female member has an engagement hole. Sliding surfaces are respectively formed at peripheries of the engagement leg portion and the engagement hole of the slide plates. Each of the slide surfaces is formed with steep incline surfaces and a gentle incline surface. With the cam mechanism, when the male member and the female member are pressed from both surfaces thereof, an insert plate disposed at one of the male member and the female member is automatically guided to an inside of the slider held by a holding portion disposed at the other of the male member and the female member, which simultaneously causes the slider to start moving.

Abstract: A two way open-end zipper formed of two zipper tapes, left and right top stops, a plug pin and a fixed pin and two slides is disclosed in which the fixed pin has a first upright sidewall, a second upright sidewall, a longitudinal sliding way defined between the first and second upright sidewalls for the passing of the slides during installation of the slides, and a springy hook projected from the first upright side wall into the longitudinal sliding way and adapted to stop the slides in place when the slides moved downwards along the zipper tapes to the lower limit position.

Abstract: In a upper stopper device for a slide fastener having a cross section of a substantially U shape, which is adapted to be attached continuously to a fastener element row of a stringer capable of being engaged with or separated from each other, an end portion of the upper stopper device opposite to the fastener element row is formed with a widened portion, which abuts against wing plates at a shoulder opening of a slider into which the stringer is inserted so that the slider can stop. Further, a caulking portion is formed in a range between the widened portion and at an end portion side toward the fastener element row. The slider abuts against the widened portion of the upper stopper device attached to the stringer so that it reliably stops.

Abstract: This invention provides a releasable bottom end stop for slide fastener which allows an insert pin thereof to be operated smoothly on being inserted into a semi-automatic/automatic stop slider. A slope for raising a locking pawl of an automatic or a semi-automatic stop mechanism provided on a slider when the insert pin is inserted into an inverse-opening type slider or an ordinary slider is provided obliquely so as to extend from a front end of the surface of an insert pin to a proximal end thereof. Additionally, a concave portion whose inlet is inclined for holding the locking pawl is provided over this slope. The inverse-opening slider is fitted in a stringer on a box pin side and another slider is also fitted such that it comes into contact with a top of the inverse-opening slider. If the insert pin disposed on another stringer is inserted with this condition, the locking pawl is raised by the slope so that the insert pin can be inserted smoothly and held in a stable condition.

Abstract: A method for 3-D engagement of a fastener, in which fastener teeth of two fastener strips received in different height-level within slider can be engaged together in the same plan by the siding action of slider. The present invention also discloses a separate-type fastener enabling 3-D engagement, comprising first and second fastener strip each of which has a plurality of equi-distance fastener teeth alternately arranged on each of two opposed long substrates respectively so that a plurality of projecting portions and recesses with corresponding shape, which can engage with the recesses and projecting portions of opposite strip, are formed on the side edge walls of fastener teeth on each of first and second fastener strips respectively, a slider having front and rear end wherein inlet ports at high-level and low-level are formed respectively at different heights of the front end.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener assembly includes first and second elongated closure elements that are engageable to form a seal. A slider is slidable relative to the closure elements between an open position and a closed position and is adapted (i) to engage the closure elements to one another when moved across the closure elements toward the closed position and (ii) to disengage the closure elements from one another when moved across the closure elements toward the open position. The slider carries a first partial indicator. A second partial indicator is located relative to the closure elements so as to complement the first partial indicator to form a visual indicator when the slider is in the closed position.

Abstract: A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.

Abstract: A first extension member has a head coupled to a first zipper head and a tail having a male connector and an elongated generally flat intermediate portion between the head and the male connector. A second extension member has a head coupled to a second zipper head and a body with a female connector that receives and locks the male connector and receives and permits free sliding movement of the elongated flat intermediate portion. The female connector prevents removal of the male connector therefrom to prevent opening the zipper beyond a predetermined position based on the length of the elongated intermediate portion. Because the male connector is positioned generally at the end of the tail and the elongated intermediate portion is generally flat, the tail may slide freely within the female connector between the head and the male connector so that the zipper is therefore not locked in any fixed position.

Abstract: A zip fastener for fastening two edges of material together, the fastener having a pair of stringers, each stringer comprising a plurality of coupling elements located on an edge of a tape, the fastener further comprising an alignment marks for matching the two edges of material together, wherein the alignment mark is a pair of open holes with an open hole being provided through the tape of each stringer, the pair of holes being located at the same level as one another along the length of the zip fastener.

Abstract: A tamper-proof seal assembly for discouraging and detecting tampering of containers onto which the tamper-proof seal assembly is installed. The container includes a closure assembly. The closure assembly defines an opening. The tamper-proof seal assembly includes a security tag and a button assembly. The security tag includes a flag and a stem. The flag and stem are integral but are easily severable. The button assembly includes an outer button and an inner button. The button assembly is mounted on the container proximate the closure assembly. The stem is inserted through the closure assembly opening and into the button assembly, where the stem is secured against withdrawal by a ratchet.

Abstract: A first extension member has a head coupled to a first zipper head and a tail having a male connector and an elongated generally flat intermediate portion between the head and the male connector. A second extension member has a head coupled to a second zipper head and a body with a female connector that receives and locks the male connector and receives and permits free sliding movement of the elongated flat intermediate portion.The female connector prevents removal of the male connector therefrom to prevent opening the zipper beyond a predetermined position based on the length of the elongated intermediate portion. Because the male connector is positioned generally at the end of the tail and the elongated intermediate portion is generally flat, the tail may slide freely within the female connector between the head and the male connector so that the zipper is therefore not locked in any fixed position.

Abstract: A linear profile, which is self-sealing by mechanical engagement comprising an elastic element (100), engagement elements (20) and a slider (31); the elastic element (100) consists of a pair of seals (2), specular or preferably complementary with hollows (15) facing in opposite directions; each seal (2) having a honeycombed rib (14) in which cavities (13) are made for insertion of the engagement elements (20); the slider (31) is able to abut against the engagement elements (20) to bring about closure of the seals (2).

Abstract: In a thermoplastic bag having a reclosable fastener extending along the mouth of the bag and a slider straddling the fastener for opening and closing the fastener, the fastener including two opposing interlocking profiles along the side walls of the bag, the slider adapted to maintain straddling relation with the fastener, an improved endstop means proximate to at least one end of the reclosable fastener, the endstop means being formed from the material of the profiles and rising vertically from the fastener to a height adequate to engage the slider and prevent movement of the slider past the end of the bag. A rail extends along the length of at least one of the profiles on the outside thereof, the rail extending to a point sufficient to permit the slider to cooperate with the rail to maintain straddling relation with the fastener when the slider reaches the endstop. Docking means and methods of making endstop means and docking means are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a biodegradable separable fastener which can be appropriately used as a fastening means for disposable products and a method for the production thereof. In a separable fastener composed of a base part and a multiplicity of engaging elements raised from the obverse side of the base part, the base part and the engaging elements are formed of a biodegradable resin. In a favorable mode, at least the base part of the separable fastener has such a sectional shape as to increase the specific surface area. For example, grooves and/or holes are formed in the base part or holes are extended from the reverse side of the base part to the interiors of the engaging elements.

Abstract: A zip fastener has mouldings on the opposite tapes which hinder the movement of the sliders relative to the tapes. The movement of the sliders past the mouldings can be felt by the user and so helps indicate when the sliders, are in position at the bottom of one tape, ready to receive the male movable open parts pin. The moulding rides past a shoulder on the slider as the pin is pushed into position. The invention is also useful with fasteners having a single slider.

Abstract: A slide fastener having a split arrester for preventing a pair of interengaged fastener stringers S from accidental splitting when a slider is removed. The split arrester comprises interlocking male and female members mounted on a pair of fastener stringers contiguously to the respective terminal portions of opposed coupling element rows and substantially equal in thickness and width of the coupling elements E. The male member has a locking tongue portion projecting from an attachment base portion toward the female member and terminated in a protuberance. The female member has a locking hollow portion, for receiving the locking tongue portion and having a pair of resilient catch portions for gripping the neck of the protuberance from opposite sides in the direction of thickness of the fastener tape.

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a mattress base and a mattress top having first and second major surfaces extending to a peripheral edge. Slidable fastener means disposed between the mattress top and the mattress base removably and rotatably attaches the mattress top to the mattress base. In an associated method for moving a body depression in a mattress, the mattress top is attached to the base with at least one zipper having a first side and a second side. Opening the zipper permits removal and rotation of the mattress top relative to the mattress base to move the body depression to a different position. Closing the zipper reattaches the mattress top to the mattress base.

Abstract: A separable bottom stop assembly, for a slide fastener, having a four-member structure composed of a box, a box pin, an separable pin and a stopper. The box has a stopper-insertion hole having on upper and lower surfaces locking grooves engageable with locking ridges of the stopper. A central partition of the box has a locking recess engageable with a locking projection of the box pin. The box pin has a recess for receiving an end of the stopper. Since the stopper engages in the recess while the locking projection engages in the locking recess, the box and box pin can be joined firmly without accidental removal. The box can be attached to the box pin after fastener stringers are sewn to a garment, realizing easy and neat sewing without obstruction by the box.

Abstract: The invention comprises an additional zipper lock attachment. The zipper lock attachment is form of a spring steel rod with its ends overlapping one another in parallel flush engaged position. An intermediate portion of the steel rod has lateral bend.

Abstract: A closure device comprises a zipper, a first elongate coupling element, and a second elongate coupling element lockable along its length to the first elongate coupling element. The zipper is slidably connected to the first elongate coupling element for locking the elongate coupling elements to one another by a closure stroke of the zipper and for alternately unlocking the elongate coupling elements from one another by an opening stroke of the zipper. A first snap lock fastener is connected to the first elongate coupling element at one end thereof, while a second snap lock fastener is connected to the second elongate coupling element at a corresponding end thereof. The snap lock fasteners are releasably connected to one another in snap lock fashion to align the one end of the first elongate coupling element with the corresponding end of the second elongate coupling element, thereby facilitating the closure stroke of the zipper.

Abstract: A closure device comprises a zipper, a first elongate coupling element, and a second elongate coupling element lockable along its length to the first elongate coupling element. The zipper is slidably connected to the first elongate coupling element for locking the elongate coupling elements to one another by a closure stroke of the zipper and for alternately unlocking the elongate coupling elements from one another by an opening stroke of the zipper. A first snap lock fastener is connected to the first elongate coupling element at one end thereof, while a second snap lock fastener is connected to the second elongate coupling element at a corresponding end thereof. The snap lock fasteners are releasably connected to one another in snap-lock fashion to align the one end of the first elongate coupling element with the corresponding end of the second elongate coupling element, thereby facilitating the closure stroke of the zipper.

Abstract: A removable lace-in fastener for an item of footwear comprises fastener means such as a sliding clasp fastener, openable and closeable along a longitudinally extending line and a pair of bendable, longitudinally extending strips of plastics material. Each strip has a plurality of integrally moulded eyelets provided along a first outer longitudinal edge thereof. Each strip is attached along a second longitudinal edge thereof to a free outer edge of the fastener means. The fastener may be attached into a boot or other item of footwear by lacing connecting some of the eyelets with conventional eyelets in the boot.

Abstract: A removable metal tab having the top portion configured to enclose a securing button on the front waist band of mens jeans, or trousers. The lower portion of the tab being removably fastened to the orifice in the top of the slide fastener of the zippered fly opening thus preventing the involuntary opening of the fly by a sliding zipper fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temporary wound closure for intracorporeal use comprising two strip-shaped sheets which are made from a sewable material coated at least in zones with plastics and whose zones overlapping in the closed condition are provided with interengaging profiled closure strips which can be brought into engagement by a clamping pusher, the strip-shaped sheet which is at the bottom in the closed condition having beneath its profiled closure strip a sealing or underengaging strip extending over the whole closure zone.

Abstract: A leak resistant toothless plastic zipper is provided. The closed end of the zipper fused together and/or is secured in position by a clamp from which a gasket extends toward the open end of the zipper to engage with the zipper slider in sealing the gap that would otherwise form at the zipper closed end. A hook is provided to secure the tab of the zipper slider in sealing engagement with the gasket when the slider is at the closed end. The gasket may be disposed about the zipper elements or interposed between the elements. A bag incorporating such a zipper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A slide fastener suitable for use on an article made of a plastics material comprises a pair of stringer tapes each including an element-supporting portion formed of a woven or knit fabric, supporting on and along its one longitudinal edge a row of coupling elements and disposed in confronting relation to a guide flange of a slider, and a web portion made of a plastics material and joined with the element-supporting portion for the attachment to the plastic article. Such combination of the fabric element-supporting portion with the plastic web portion provides prolonged service life of the slide fastener without being affected by changing ambient temperature.

Abstract: A slide fastener assembly has a net joining structure which includes a pair of warp-knitted adapters having a number of rectangular meshes defined by a plurality of warp cords and a plurality of weft threads. Each adapter has a net transition region including a plurality of longitudinal portions having meshes of varying sizes arranged for easy connection to one of the confronting edges of a net structure and for taking up and distributing lateral tension uniformly over the length of the slide fastener stringer supported by and between a pair of web regions of the adapter. The stringer is sewn to the web regions by at least one row of sewing stitches extending in and along a longitudinal groove in each of the web regions.