Slide Fastener Patents (Class 29/766)
  • Publication number: 20130283572
    Abstract: A zipper member has a receiving portion having an insertion hole formed therein and including a locking portion, and an inserting portion having an engaging portion to be inserted into the insertion hole of the receiving portion and engaging with the locking portion to establish a locking state. A filament portion integrally connects the receiving portion to the inserting portion. An IC chip is mounted in a holding portion of the zipper member, the holding portion being formed of a hard material along a portion of the filament portion. An attachment tool includes a runner member on which an assembly of zipper members are placed in parallel at regular intervals to be cuttable. The attachment tool sequentially attaches the zipper members to a target one by one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: TOSKA-BANO'K CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toyohisa HIROKI
  • Patent number: 8316522
    Abstract: A slider having an outer guide that closes a zipper by sliding movement of the slider and an inner guide that opens the zipper by the sliding movement and is formed revolvable on the outer guide. A method for supplying sliders provides sliders that are not entangled with each other and are not clogged when supplied with the inner guide revolved to the outside. The slider has a groove formed by the inner guide protruding upwards from the upper surface of a slider body. A flat guide plate disposed between a slider supplying machine and a slider assembling machine engages with the groove so that the upper surface directs in a vertical direction and, at the same time, side surfaces of adjacent sliders support the slider facing each other in a hanging down condition, and align and guide them in a line in a fixed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Juichi Kasai
  • Patent number: 8139783
    Abstract: A speaker assembly arrangement for a vehicle is provided that includes a speaker unit including a speaker cabinet defining a first volume and a body part of a vehicle including a hollow member defining a second volume. The speaker cabinet is acoustically coupled to the hollow member by a press-fit coupling having a press-fit direction and mounted on the body part by at least one fastener having a fastening direction substantially perpendicular to the press-fit direction. The body part comprises a first guide arranged and configured to slidably engage with a second guide arranged on the speaker cabinet so that force on the speaker cabinet in the fastening direction is at least in part redirected to the press-fit direction by the slidable engagement of the first guide and the second guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schuster, Joerg Prokisch
  • Patent number: 8069546
    Abstract: A cutter operative to pierce and cut a sheet of material includes a handle and a body portion coupled to the handle. The body portion includes two puncture fingers having tips for piercing the sheet of material and two blades for cutting two parallel cuts in the sheet of material. In a method of installing a zipper on a sheet of material, left and right portions of a zipper are applied to a sheet of material. A swath portion of the sheet of material is cut having two parallel, spaced-apart cuts between the left and right portions of the zipper. In this manner, zipper installation is established in a manner that avoids formation of flap of material that would otherwise remain between the left and right flanges of the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Zipwall, LLC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Whittemore
  • Patent number: 7934305
    Abstract: A fluidtight slide fastener comprising a pair of tapes both delimited by two opposite long edges and by two opposite short edges. Each tape comprises a textile material strip coated with a fluid barrier material layer on at least opposite faces thereof, the strip remaining uncoated on at least one of the short edges of each tape. Each tape is also equipped with a set of aligned teeth on at least a portion of one of the long sides thereof, the aligned teeth of the sets facing each other and being associated with opposite opening and closing stops. A slider is slidable between the closing stop and the opening stop for engaging in a fluidtight way or disengaging the aligned teeth respectively. The fastener further comprises a coating formed on each tape on the at least one of the uncoated short edges for covering the textile material strip in a fluidtight way at the at least one of the uncoated short edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: RIRI S.A.
    Inventor: Livio Cossutti
  • Patent number: 7849576
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a slide fastener. The apparatus may provide a chain transfer path inclined downward for transferring a fastener chain, a chain cutting portion disposed at a middle of the transfer path and a feed portion disposed on an upstream side of the chain cutting portion of the chain transfer path. A control portion may also be provided for a) stopping to transfer the fastener chain by the feed portion and b) operating the chain cutting portion. A pivoting section may also be provided, which pivots the chain cutting portion by a predetermined angle on the chain transfer path around an axis line orthogonal to the transfer path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Sawada, Makoto Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7761977
    Abstract: A component placement device includes: (a) an elongated transport device by means of which substrates to be provided with components can be moved in a transport direction parallel to the transport device; (b) at least one component feeder that is located along a longitudinal side of the transport device; (c) at least one component pick-and-place unit by means of which in operation a component can be picked-up from the component feeder and placed on a substrate; and (d) a substrate support, which is located along a longitudinal side of the transport opposite to the component feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Assembleon N.V.
    Inventor: Jacobus A. M. Thomassen
  • Patent number: 7568270
    Abstract: A fluidtight slide fastener comprising a pair of tapes both delimited by two opposite long edges and by two opposite short edges, each tape comprising a textile material strip coated with a fluid barrier material layer at least at the opposite faces thereof, the strip remaining uncoated at least one of the short edges of each tape, each tape being equipped with a set of aligned teeth on at least a portion of one of the long sides thereof, the aligned teeth of the sets facing each other and being associated with opposite opening and closing stops, and a slider slidable between the closing stop and the opening stop for engaging in a fluidtight way or disengaging said aligned teeth respectively, wherein the fastener further comprises a coating formed on each tape at the at least one of the uncoated short edges for covering the textile material strip in a fluidtight way at the at least one of the uncoated short edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: RIRI S.A.
    Inventor: Livio Cossutti
  • Patent number: 7549218
    Abstract: The invention is a continuous finishing apparatus for a slide fastener having a slider introduction portion for successively introducing a slider by intermittently running a slide fastener chain, wherein, a slider introduction member thrusts into the space portion when the slider held by a slider holding member is brought into a space portion and set therein, moves downstream of the slide fastener chain within the space portion, holds an engaging element disposed at a downstream end portion of the space portion, and then, continues to move to the downstream for carrying the slide fastener chain, and wherein the slider is introduced and set along the same chain upon this carriage. Because the slider introduction member carries the slide fastener by holding the engaging elements on an edge of the fastener tape, which is least elongated, no disagreement occurs in position of corresponding right and left engaging elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Sawada, Makoto Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7454823
    Abstract: Several embodiments of resilient slider members and methods of assembling such slider members onto interlocking fastening strips are disclosed herein. The slider member (200) comprises a pair of spaced-apart side walls (210, 230) and an intermediate body portion (250) therebetween. In addition, each side wall includes an interior surface (215) with an inwardly projecting shoulder (216) formed thereon, an exterior surface (217), and opposed end surfaces (218).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Patent number: 7454824
    Abstract: An installed structure of a slide unit of a clamping head on a zipper bag has a vibration device, a track and an installation device. The installation device is installed with a removing unit, an input unit and a press unit so that a clamping portion is delivered to a removing unit. A removing sheet of the removing unit serves to open the closed clamping portion. The slide unit of the clamping head is pushed to be installed in the clamping portion of the zipper bag. The open clamping portion is closed again by use of two corresponding rolling wheels of the press unit pressing. The slide unit of the clamping head is installed automatically at the clamping portion of the zipper bag. The assembly procedure is continuous, convenient and fast. The installed structure is available to be mass production, reduce manufacture costs and fit in with economic efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Chun-Shan Chen
  • Patent number: 7334322
    Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling condition detecting device for element rows of a slide fastener. A chain stopping means for stopping a chain at a detecting position of coupling right and left elements adjacent an upstream end of a space in the chain is disposed downstream along a chain carrying direction. A detecting portion having a mechanical detecting means for detecting presence/absence of a deviation in coupling of the elements is provided at the detecting position. The detecting portion has an element position detection member movable between a normal first contact position where the detection member does not contact any elements and an abnormal second contact position where it contacts an element. When the detection member exists at the first contact position when the chain is stopped, it is determined that the coupling is normal and when the detection member exists at the second contact position, it is determined that the coupling is abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Taishin Kameda, Satoshi Matsumura, Tsuneo Takamura
  • Publication number: 20080000064
    Abstract: Method and apparatus of manufacturing color metal zipper are disclosed. The method includes washing half-finished metal zipper; overlaying a thin film on the upper surface of half-finished metal zipper; feeding color transfer paper; overlaying the half-finished metal zipper on the color transfer paper and positioning same; intermittently advancing the overlaid half-finished metal zipper and the color transfer paper; heating and pressing the overlaid half-finished metal zipper and the color transfer paper in an interval when the advancing stops for uniformly transferring color of the color transfer paper to a portion of the half-finished metal zipper; intermittently advancing the half-finished metal zipper and the color transfer paper again; separating the finished color metal zipper from the color transfer paper while intermittently advancing; and cooling and storing the finished color metal zipper and color transfer paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Ching Song Chou
  • Publication number: 20070271776
    Abstract: An installed structure of a slide unit of a clamping head on a zipper bag has a vibration device, a track and an installation device. The installation device is installed with a removing unit, an input unit and a press unit so that a clamping portion is delivered to a removing unit. A removing sheet of the removing unit serves to open the closed clamping portion. The slide unit of the clamping head is pushed to be installed in the clamping portion of the zipper bag. The open clamping portion is closed again by use of two corresponding rolling wheels of the press unit pressing. The slide unit of the clamping head is installed automatically at the clamping portion of the zipper bag. The assembly procedure is continuous, convenient and fast. The installed structure is available to be mass production, reduce manufacture costs and fit in with economic efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Chun-Shan Chen
  • Patent number: 7229511
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically feeding slider-zipper assemblies to a station where the slider-zipper assemblies can be attached to bag material such as thermoplastic film. The apparatus includes a slider guide having a channel running the length thereof. The channel has a cross section that allows passage therethrough of sliders slidably mounted to a tape of connected slider-zipper assemblies. A tape drive mechanism is located at the outlet of the slider guide. The tape drive mechanism includes a pair of rollers that form a nip therebetween. The zipper flanges of the tape are threaded through the nip. The rollers have respective grooves that form a space for passage of the sliders as the tape is advanced by the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7204006
    Abstract: A method for providing an end-stop for a slider on a resealable thermoplastic bag is provided. The resealable thermoplastic bag includes a profile track having a first side panel and a second side panel. A clip having first and second legs is made to straddle the profile track such that the first leg of the clip being proximate to the first side panel and the second leg of the clip being proximate to the second side panel. One of the legs has an inward-facing protrusion for engaging a corresponding recess on the panel proximate thereto, such that the clip resists vertical motion on the profile track. The other of the legs of the clip is sealed to the panel proximate thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Webster Industries Division Chelsea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: F. John Herrington, Bryon Hollenbeck
  • Patent number: 7200923
    Abstract: There are provided left and right gripper devices for holding left and right tip side portions of a slide fastener chain, transferring the fastener chain in a longitudinal direction (an X-axis direction) and opening and closing the left and right tip side portions in a Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction based on a command sent from operation control means. There is provided an electric motor for controllably driving the left and right gripper devices in the X-Y axis direction based on a command sent from a numeric control section of the operation control means in the X-Y axis direction of the gripper devices. A slider can be automatically inserted by only a specified operation using a single device without preparing a special device for all types of fastener chains and sliders and requiring a time for a considerable reconstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Matsumura, Tatsuo Ito, Yoshiyuki Toishi, Taishin Kameda
  • Patent number: 7200911
    Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Nathan A. Kolovich, Craig E. Cappel, Timothy W. Pistner, Alexander R. Provan
  • Patent number: 7150084
    Abstract: Machining portions such as a cutter portion, a slider inserting portion and an upper stopper attaching portion are provided around the vertical axis of a fixed table portion in order of machining. A fastener chain cut to have a predetermined length is held by the fixed table portion and a gripper of a rotator provided around the same vertical axis. The fastener chain is rotated and transferred to each of the machining portions based on the intermittent rotation and control of the rotator in the holding state in the gripper. Every time a predetermined machining is completed in each of the machining portions for the fastener chain rotated and transferred intermittently, it is possible to rotate and transfer the fastener chain simultaneously and intermittently to the next machining portion, thereby carrying out the necessary machining continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsugu Umino, Michio Ito, Osamu Fujii, Atsunori Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7137942
    Abstract: The closure device (121) includes interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) and a slider (132) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips (130, 131) when moved towards first and second ends thereof. A slider (132) is provided for facilitating the attachment of the slider (132) onto the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102). The slider (132) provides resistance against the removal of the slider (132) from the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102) and the vertical Z axis (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Savicki, John C. Ware
  • Patent number: 7134192
    Abstract: The closure device (121) includes interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) and a slider (132) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips (130, 131) when moved towards first and second ends thereof. A slider (132) is provided for facilitating the attachment of the slider (132) onto the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102). The slider (132) provides resistance against the removal of the slider (132) from the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102) and the vertical Z axis (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Savicki, John C. Ware
  • Patent number: 6973704
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a slider onto a flexible zipper tape, comprising: a zipper tape guide that supports a section of zipper tape in a slider insertion zone and guides advancement of the zipper tape along a line; a mechanism for displacing a slider from a pre-insertion position to an inserted position on the section of the zipper tape located in the slider insertion zone; and a slider guide for guiding the slider from a transition point to the pre-insertion position. The slider guide is configured so that the slider travels along a generally U-shaped path in its transit from the transition point to the pre-insertion position. The slider guide may be a channel configured to maintain one end of the slider constantly in the lead as it moves along the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6968604
    Abstract: A method and a system for forming slider end stops on a zipper tape that comprises first and second interlockable zipper parts. The method comprises the following steps: (a) transmitting sufficient ultrasonic wave energy into first and second areas of the zipper tape to cause the first and second interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the first and second areas, the first and second areas being separated by a gap; and (b) applying sufficient heat and pressure onto a third area of the zipper tape to cause the interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the third area, at least part of the third area being located between the first and second areas in the gap. The first and second areas do not impinge upon the zipper rails. The third area does impinge upon the zipper rails. Thus the zipper rails are deformed in the third area, but not in adjacent areas located below and contiguous with the first and second areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Crevier
  • Patent number: 6957482
    Abstract: The space forming apparatus includes at least a pair of fixed grippers disposed in a lower part thereof; a pair of movable grippers disposed with a gap in a front-to-rear direction such that the movable grippers are movable in a vertical direction toward and away from the aforementioned fixed grippers; a knock-out which is provided between the fixed grippers and moves vertically between said fixed grippers and between the movable grippers; and a punch section which is disposed so as to oppose a top end of the knock-out and which moves vertically and independently between the front and rear movable grippers and cuts coupling heads of coupling elements while pressing the coupling heads downward at the time of cutting. These members are accommodated integrally in a single housing having a chain insertion opening provided in a front face thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Shimai, Akira Sakai
  • Patent number: 6938330
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated insertion of sliders on continuous zipper material. The method involves the following steps: (a) advancing a section of zipper material past a leading edge of a splitter plate that pries the zipper strips of the zipper material apart; (b) clamping a first portion of one zipper strip against one side of the splitter plate, while clamping a first portion of the other zipper strip against an opposite side of the splitter plate, the first portions of the zipper strips being disposed on an upstream side of a slider insertion zone; (c) closing a portion of the zipper comprising respective second portions of the zipper strips disposed on a downstream side of the slider insertion zone; and (d) inserting a slider onto the zipper in the slider insertion zone. A plow of the slider is disposed between respective third portions of the zipper strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis Albert Haws, David C. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6931707
    Abstract: A device is designed to facilitate operation of a separable slide fastener having a pair of stringers, respectively carrying first and second rows of interlocking elements, the rows respectively terminating at a stop member and a lug, the fastener including at least one slider moveable along the first row and having an aperture therethrough alignable with an aperture in the stop member when the slider is disposed in a terminal position. The device includes a handle and retention structure receivable in an aligning position in the apertures when the slider is in or is moved to its terminal position and engageable with the slider and the stop member to hold the slider in its terminal position so that the user does not have to manually do so during insertion of the lug into the apertures to join the stringers. When the lug is inserted it displaces the retention structure from the apertures. Several embodiments of the device are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Richard A. Lathrop
  • Patent number: 6904656
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for and a method of transporting sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of a slider insertion device (18). A first sensor (30) on a sender track (20) detects a lack of sliders (21) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the first sensor (30) to a controller (24) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (21), and a first solenoid operated plunger (34) thereby releasing the sliders (21) to the sender track (20). Air connections (38) pneumatically push the sliders (21) along the sender track (20) to a second solenoid-operated plunger (44). When a second sensor (46) detects a lack of sliders in the loading rack (26), the second sensor (46) signals the controller (24) to actuate a second solenoid-operated plunger (44) and a solenoid-operated pneumatic valve (48). The second solenoid-operated plunger (44) opens a passage and the pneumatic valve (48) opens to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (21) into the feed tube (22) and onto the slider insertion area (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McMahon, Stanley Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 6842973
    Abstract: A keeper (12), a clamp (14), a heater strip (16) and a heated air diffuser (18) are provided for a slider insertion apparatus (10) which inserts sliders (28) on the interlocked profiles (20, 22) of a zipper (23). The heater strip (16) and/or the diffuser (18) heat the zipper (23) to a predetermined temperature prior to slider insertion. The keeper (12) aligns the slider (32) within the insertion area (34) with the activator with pusher (26) of the slider insertion apparatus (10). By changing the mounting of the zipper guide (28) and by actuating the clamp (14) during slider insertion, the zipper (32) indexes to the slider insertion apparatus (10) in alternate directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Share, Michael Pollack, Stanley Piotrowski, Michael McMahon
  • Patent number: 6796015
    Abstract: A zipper guide for use in a slider insertion machine in which the zipper guide can be easily loaded with zipper tape without disassembly of the zipper guide. The slider insertion apparatus comprises: an assembly for inserting sliders onto a zipper tape; first and second shafts that are fixed relative to the assembly; a zipper guide for guiding the zipper tape during longitudinal movement of the zipper tape and supporting the zipper tape during slider insertion; and a retainer coupled to the first shaft and movable between first and second retainer positions. The zipper guide comprises a stationary part that is fixed relative to the assembly and comprises a first groove, and a rotatable part that is rotatable about the second shaft between first and second angular positions and comprises a second groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6757953
    Abstract: A method for forming ends of a slide fastener chain wherein, coil-shaped fastener elements such as linear fastener elements are attached and sewed to side edge portions of a pair of fastener tapes with sewing yarns as fixing yarns while a core thread is inserted through the fastener elements. The coil-shaped fastener elements are cut off at leg portions, each of which is in contact with the fastener tape, at ends of the fastener elements, so that cut end portions are formed. These cut end portions are pushed inward of the side edge portions, and then, the leg portions and inverted portions thereof are fused to the fastener tapes by heating. As a result, each end of the fastener elements is stabilized, so that the resultant slide fastener is safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Matsumoto, Kazuki Kuse, Hideo Shimai, Mitsuru Yamakawa
  • Publication number: 20030200650
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a slider to a zipper chain having cords with intervals of zipper teeth along a predetermined length of the cords separated by gaps is disclosed. First the zipper chain is pulled along a predetermined path. A gap in the zipper chain is then detected. Once detected, the zipper chain is substantially stopped. A slider is then held in place in the gap of the zipper chain. Once the slider is in place, resistance is provided as the zipper chain motion is restarted. This causes the cords of the zipper chain to tighten and attach to the slider as the zipper chain moves along the predetermined path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: YKK Corporation of America
    Inventors: Chester P. Dudek, Tomonari Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20020144385
    Abstract: By inserting a pair of coupled right and left element rows of a fastener chain from a rear opening of a slider, which is placed and fixed on a slider passing portion disposed on a transfer path of the fastener chain, and inserting the element rows separated side by side into an element coupling portion disposed at a chain downstream side of the slider passing portion, respective element rows are coupled again. Then, a fastener chain with the coupled element rows fed out from the element coupling portion is transferred to a stop portion forming unit of a single stop implement disposed at the chain downstream side of the element coupling portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Hironori Takiyama
  • Patent number: 6460238
    Abstract: An assembly and method for installing sliders and end terminations onto a reclosable zipper for plastic bags is disclosed. The assembly includes a base with a cam path. A rotor is mounted on the base and includes at least one slider installing member and at least one end termination installing member. The rotor includes a cam follower extending into the cam path and secured to one of the slider installing member and end termination installing member which is reciprocally mounted on the rotor and is reciprocated by the interaction of the cam path and cam follower. At a first point in the rotation of the rotor the slider installing member and the termination installing member are supplied with sliders and terminations. At a second point in the rotation of the rotor the slider and terminations are simultaneously installed onto a zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. LaRue, Craig E. Cappel
  • Patent number: 6430798
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a zipper includes the step of dividing a label into two halves. The two halves are disposed on a cloth strip. Two banks of continuous chain teeth are pressed against one another and then are sewn to the cloth strip. The width between the sewing portion of two banks is equal to the distance between the two halves of the label. A wedge block expands the two banks of chain teeth outwards, so that a space is formed. The cloth strip is melted and cut, so that the cloth strip is cut adjacent to the two chain teeth. A strip separation wheel feeds out the left and right portions of the cloth strip, sewn with the chain teeth, at the same time. Fittings, such as a chain clip, are attached to the chain teeth to finish the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Chih-Wen Ru
  • Patent number: 6317969
    Abstract: In a pull-assembling unit for automatically assembling a pull onto a slider body of a slide fastener, a slider transporting means includes a slider-body-transportation plate member having rectangular notch portions spaced at intervals of plural assembling sections along a top end edge thereof, each for accommodating the slider body. The slider-body-transportation plate member is adapted to be actuated in the slider-transportation path so as to draw a rectangular trajectory in a vertical plane. An actuation upper limit position of a top end of the rectangular notch portion is set to be above a slider-body-placing surface of the slider-transportation path and an actuation lower limit position of the top end of the notch portion is set to be at a retreat position below the slider-body-placing surface. Therefore, the slider-pull-assembling unit has a simple structure and is capable of assembling a pull onto a slider body accurately and securely at a high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Funaya, Yukio Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6047465
    Abstract: The present invention provides an attaching device of a connecting ring to a pull tab for a slide fastener slider for attaching a connecting ring to a pull tab at a high speed. In the attaching device of a connecting ring to a pull tab for a slide fastener slider, a guide body having a guide groove for supplying a connecting ring while regulating an attitude of the connecting ring to be supplied is mounted on the supply belt. One connecting ring is supplied from a forward end of the supply belt by a connecting ring feed member. The supplied connecting ring is inserted into and received by a connecting ring accommodating recessed portion which is provided at a bottom portion of the connecting ring retainer and retains the connecting ring while regulating an attitude of the connecting ring to be attached. The connecting ring retainer moves down to attach the connecting ring to a connecting portion of the pull tab which has been carried by a rotary table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yasutaka Kizu, Tatsumi Shirodera
  • Patent number: 6045285
    Abstract: A reusable refillable binder for use with papers having marginal perforations. The binder including a spiral coil having tapered ends, each of the ends of the coil having an area width for receipt of a removable locking element. A removable locking element for securement to binding element about the area of reduced width to prevent the unintentional unbinding of the binder when secured to the coil and to allow the user to unbind the binder when the locking element is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Michael N. Friedman
  • Patent number: 5985438
    Abstract: A reinforcing tape for a slide fastener and a slide fastener having a pair of fastener tapes whose end portions are reinforced with the reinforcing tapes are disclosed. On the end portion of a fastener tape to which a pin-and-box separator of a slide fastener is fitted, a transparent film layer formed of a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoplastic resin and a fiber reinforcement layer formed of either a reticular sheet of monofilaments or a thin-layer non-woven fabric of fibers manufactured from a thermoplastic resin of the same type as the transparent film layer are superposed through the medium of an adhesive layer, with the transparent film layer constituting itself a surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kozo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5584111
    Abstract: Provided is an improvement to the slide fastener constructing machine. The improvement provides a tooth-notching unit for forming a notch on each tooth on the stringer produced by a stringer producing unit which is a conventional unit and subsequently collected by a stringer collecting unit which is also a conventional unit. The tooth-notching unit includes a base having a passage allowing the stringer of teeth to pass therethrough and a grinding wheel or a circular disk cutter as cutting means provided on top of the passage for cutting a notch on top of each tooth on the stringer. To clear away rubbish produced by the notching process, various devices are provided including brushes and vacuum cleaners. The tooth-notching unit allows the slide fastener constructing machine to produce stringers of teeth that can be stitched securely to clothing. Its construction also allows easy maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Shih C. Chen
  • Patent number: 5495655
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a slide-fastener coupling element from a metal wire having a substantially Y-shaped cross section wherein a blank piece is cut or sliced off from the metal wire by a co-action between a cutoff die and a cutoff punch, and substantially at the same time, the metal wire is chamfered along a next cutting line by a chamfering edge so as to form a substantially V-shaped groove extending in and along the peripheral surface of a head portion of the metal wire and the outside surface of each of two opposed leg portion of the metal wire. The next slicing operation produces a blank piece which is already chamfered at its upper and lower peripheral edges extending along the peripheral surface of the head portion and the outside surfaces of respective leg portions of the blank piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Koitsu Morioka
  • Patent number: 5454285
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for finishing slide fasteners by cutting off an elongate slide fastener chain across longitudinally spaced element-free spaces is provided wherein a slider arresting mechanism is disposed between a cutting mechanism and a feed mechanism and movable into and out of a path of travel of the slide fastener chain for temporarily arresting a slide fastener against downstream movement while the slide fastener chain is being fed by the feed mechanism, and a detecting mechanism is operatively connected with the slider arresting mechanism for detecting the engagement between an end stop and the slider which occurs when the slide fastener chain is fed by the feed mechanism while the slider is being arrested by the slider arresting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Kiichiro Ishikawa, Chet Dudek, James Hutcherson, Jonathan C. Colier
  • Patent number: 5426840
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching pull tabs automatically one at a time onto a slider body comprises a pull tab transport unit, a clamper applying unit and a clamping unit. The transport unit includes a pull tab transfer chute having a pair of elongate horizontal guide rails defining therebetween a guide slit along which a series of pull tabs are fed for attachment one at a time onto sliders transferred along a horizontally extending chute. A clamper pusher is provided for moving a clamper of the slider pivotally through 90.degree. to lie substantially parallel with the guide slit of the pull tab chute. A transfer conveyor operatively associated with the clamper applying unit is movable along a rectangular path to move and set the pull tab in position for connection and clamping with the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Funaya
  • Patent number: 5426848
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching pull tabs automatically one at a time onto a slider body comprises a pull tab transport unit, a clamper applying unit and a clamping unit. The transport unit includes a pull tab supply chute having a pair of guide rails defining therebetween a guide slit adjustable depending upon the size of a connecting link of a pull tab. A transfer conveyor operatively associated with the clamper applying unit is movable multi-directionally to move and set the pull tab in position during the attachment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroki Shibata, Tatsumi Shirodera
  • Patent number: 5208970
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a continuous slide fastener chain having strips of fabric secured on outer edges of tapes at predetermined intervals comprise a pair of guide members defining therebetween a feed path for feeding a continuous chain with attached strips along, and a drive endless belt unit mounted on either one of the guide members for pressing contact with the continuous chain with attached strips over a suitable length thereof and connected with a drive source to positively feed the continuous chain with attached strips along the feed path; so that, if heavy fabric strips are attached thereto, the continuous chain with attached strips can be fed smoothly and stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Kiichiro Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5185912
    Abstract: A guide device for guiding a slide fastener chain with cloth pieces attached to opposed fastener tapes of the chain. The guide device is adapted to be located near and upstream of a discharge unit for discharging the slide fastener chain with the cloth pieces attached to the opposed fastener tapes. The guide device comprises a pair of guide arms extending perpendicularly to a travelling path of the slide fastener chain, the guide arms extending horizontally toward each other for engaging the attaching portions of the cloth pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventor: Akio Yunoki
  • Patent number: 5181305
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of slide fasteners from an elongate stringer chain is disclosed in which the stringer chain is maintained in tensionless suspension at predetermined locations along the path of its movement through various stages of production. A plurality of processing units are controlled so as to operate in synchronized relation to one of such units which has a slowest cycle of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Masahide Ozaki, Masanori Uji, Makoto Yamazaki, Tatsuo Ito
  • Patent number: 5174017
    Abstract: A pull tab loading apparatus comprising a straight inclined chute for receiving pull tabs lined up in a row, and a pull tab pushing unit for successively pushing pull tabs from a downstream end of the chute to a pull tab inlet port of a slide fastener slider assembling machine. A contact pin is rotatably supported by the pushing unit for engagement with an upper surface of the pull tab being fed from the downstream end of the chute into a guide groove of the pushing unit in an inclined posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventor: Shingo Hatagishi
  • Patent number: 5170356
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for metering an elongate stringer chain to be finished into slide fasteners of different lengths, the metering being based on an element pitch P derived from dividing a given metering length L by the number of coupling elements thereon. The stringer chain is held substantially in tensionless suspension while it is being metered to achieve a maximum of metering accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Horita, Yasuhiko Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5168785
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically severing a slide fastener chain having a succession of fabric pieces attached to each of the opposed longitudinal marginal edges with a gap portion interposed between each adjacent pair of fabric pieces comprises a feeding unit; a cutting unit disposed on a feed path for severing the fabric-pieced slide fastener chain transversely across the gap portions; and detecting means for producing a signal only when laterally-aligned gap portions reach the detecting means. The detecting means, feeding unit and the cutting unit are electrically connected such that, upon receipt of the signal from the detecting means, the feeding unit is deenergized and at the same time the cutting unit is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Akio Yunoki
  • Patent number: 5138763
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for manufacturing slide fasteners of selected product lengths from an elongate continuous stringer chain, the method comprising selecting predetermined fastener component parts from among a plurality of such respective component parts which differ in type, form, material and color, feeding and applying the selected parts one at a time to the stringer chain. The apparatus reducing the method to practice comprises operating units arranged to selectively feed and apply the component parts under computer program control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizuno, Kazuki Kuse, Shunji Akashi, Hiroshi Yoshida, Yozo Okada, Tatsuo Ito