Means To Assemble Slider Onto Stringer Patents (Class 29/768)
  • Patent number: 7874064
    Abstract: A device for fixing and positioning in tubes and its use in tubular reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Fischer, Werner Burkhardt, Klaus Huthmacher
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090000117
    Abstract: An apparatus for the insertion and withdrawal of a plug-in module with front panel into and out of a module carrier, includes a lever arm (2) pivotable about an axis (3) with a handle portion (2a) for the rotation of the lever arm as well as a bolt (5) to lock the lever arm and an operating element (5a) connected to the bolt with which the lever arm can be unlocked. The operating element (5a) is arranged spaced from the lever arm (2), and the handle portion (2a) is designed such that it contacts the front panel (10) of the plug-in module the inwardly pivoted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: ELMA Electronic AG
    Inventor: Kari Oila
  • 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: 7399262
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of packaging bags, which includes a step of forming at least one bag in a scrolling film, welding opening and closing zippers that include a series of operating sliders onto the scrolling film, and effecting at least one cut in the zippers, where the length of the cut is greater than the length of each slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: S2F Flexico
    Inventor: Antony Roger
  • 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: 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: 7114310
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Alexander R. Provan, Craig E. Cappel, Larry E. Benedict, Gerald R. Winiecki
  • 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: 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: 6935007
    Abstract: A zipper guide apparatus having different operational states. In the first operational state, the zipper tape is held securely, i.e., gripped, in a zone adjacent the slider insertion zone during slider insertion. In a second operational state, the zipper tape is not held securely in the zone adjacent the slider insertion zone and a slider can pass through the zipper guide during zipper tape advancement. These operational states are under the control of a programmable controller or other control device, which synchronizes zipper guide operation with operation of the slider inserter. The zipper guide comprises a saddle on which a zipper is seated and a pair of opposing grippers that extend to grip the zipper tape and that retract to release the zipper tape and allow passage of the zipper tape with sliders inserted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • 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: 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: 6836945
    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: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Publication number: 20040187301
    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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Satoshi Matsumura, Tatsuo Ito, Yoshiyuki Toishi, Taishin Kameda
  • 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: 6751854
    Abstract: A pair of coupled right and left element rows of a fastener chain is inserted 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 after the element rows are separated side by side through the slider passing portion the respective separated element rows are coupled again by inserting the element rows into an element coupling portion disposed at a chain downstream side. The fastener chain in the above state is transferred to a stop portion forming unit of a single stop implement disposed at a chain downstream side of the element coupling portion, so that the stop implement is attached thereto. Thus, steps for coupling the element rows of the fastener chain and attaching the single stop implement are performed continuously and efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Hironori Takiyama
  • Patent number: 6745443
    Abstract: According to the fastener chain, method and apparatus for forming ends thereof, coil-shaped fastener elements 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, a form of each end of the fastener elements is stabilized, so that the resultant slide fastener is good in safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Matsumoto, Kazuki Kuse, Hideo Shimai, Mitsuru Yamakawa
  • Publication number: 20040020035
    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: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano
  • Publication number: 20040020034
    Abstract: A zipper guide apparatus having different operational states. In the first operational state, the zipper tape is held securely, i.e., gripped, in a zone adjacent the slider insertion zone during slider insertion. In a second operational state, the zipper tape is not held securely in the zone adjacent the slider insertion zone and a slider can pass through the zipper guide during zipper tape advancement. These operational states are under the control of a programmable controller or other control device, which synchronizes zipper guide operation with operation of the slider inserter. The zipper guide comprises a saddle on which a zipper is seated and a pair of opposing grippers that extend to grip the zipper tape and that retract to release the zipper tape and allow passage of the zipper tape with sliders inserted thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano
  • Publication number: 20040020025
    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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano
  • Publication number: 20030183314
    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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence Share, Michael Pollack, Stanley Piotrowski, Michael McMahon
  • Patent number: 6584666
    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: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Patent number: 6526726
    Abstract: A method of applying a slider to a fastener-carrying web of plastic film. The fastener includes interlockable profiles and fins depending from the respective profiles. One of the fins is attached to the web of plastic film such that the profiles are immediately adjacent to the web. The fastener is folded away from the web about the attached fin such that the profiles and proximate portions of the fins are oriented at an angle, preferably about 90 degrees, relative the web. Because the profiles and proximate fin portions are oriented at an angle relative to the web, they can be easily accessed and controlled for applying the slider to the profiles and performing other fastener-related operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron L. Strand, Alexander R. Provan, Thomas L. Coomber, Toby R. Thomas
  • 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: 6442819
    Abstract: A method for mounting a slider device on a recloseable package includes mounting the slider device by providing a package having a recloseable closure mechanism and providing a slider device for opening and closing the recloseable closure mechanism, the slider device having first and second leg constructions having a first distance therebetween. The slider device is expanded to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance. The slider is expanded by hooking an end of the first and second leg constructions with an expanding device and moving the first leg construction away from the second leg construction. Next, the slider device is mounted onto the recloseable closure mechanism and then the second distance between the first and second leg constructions is decreased to a third distance. Finally, the slider device is removed from the expanding device. Apparatus are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Catherine E. Kettner
  • Patent number: 6418605
    Abstract: A method for mounting a slider device on a recloseable package includes mounting the slider device by providing a package having a recloseable closure mechanism and providing a slider device for opening and closing the recloseable closure mechanism, the slider device having first and second leg constructions having a first distance therebetween. The method also includes, expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance, wherein the expanding includes inserting an expanding device into a slide channel between first and second leg constructions and moving the first leg construction away from the second leg construction. Then removing the slider device from the expanding device and mounting the slider device onto recloseable closure mechanism. Finally, decreasing the second distance between the first and second leg constructions to third distance. Apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Catherine E. Kettner
  • Patent number: 6199256
    Abstract: Methods for mounting a slider device on a recloseable package include mounting the slider device by expanding the leg construction of the slider device with an expanding track to allow mounting of the slider on a recloseable zipper construction. A particular method includes providing a slider device to a slider positioner, such as a carousel, moving the slider along an expanding track, and mounting the expanded slider device onto the recloseable mechanism at the end of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Revnew, Andrew J. Gulotta, Lawrence W. Wirth
  • Patent number: 6161271
    Abstract: A method for mounting a slider device on a recloseable package includes mounting the slider device by intersecting the slider device with a zipper arrangement so that at least one of the slider device and the zipper arrangement is distorted to allow mounting. A particular method includes mounting the slider device includes intersecting the slider device with the zipper arrangement at an angle between about 20 to 60.degree., preferably about 45.degree.. In another method, the zipper arrangement is distorted to facilitate mounting of the slider device thereon, and in yet another method, the slider device is distorted to facilitate mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Schreiter
  • Patent number: 6047464
    Abstract: A removal tool is operable for separating components of an assembled electrical connector used for connecting electrical conductors together. The electrical connector includes a tapered connector sleeve having a general "C" cross section with a slot defining a stop ledge and a wedge having a latching ledge which engages the stop ledge when inserted into the slot preventing removal of the wedge. The removal tool with a first block member includes outwardly projecting ears for selective insertion into the slot for engagement with the stop ledge. A second block member includes outwardly projecting slide pins. The first block member is slidably received on the slide pins for movement toward and away from the second block member, a removal blade on the second block member having a tapered nose member projecting toward the first block member and an integral shoulder on the second block member facing the first block member and spaced from the removal blade in a direction away from the first block member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Chadbourne, Raymond G. Lavoie
  • Patent number: 5940941
    Abstract: A device and method which facilitates the removal of a zipper component such as a slider e.g. for maintenance, repair, security and the like, is provided. In one embodiment a plate configured so that it can define a receiving area is positioned adjacent to a pair of zipper tapes such that a slider may be moved off the zipper tapes and into the receiving area. Preferably the receiving area is configured so that once the slider is in the receiving area it may be removed therefrom and/or a new slider may be inserted therein for positioning onto the zipper tapes. In one embodiment one or more removable doors or tabs are provided to limit movement of the slider and/or prevent movement into the receiving area unless the doors or stop members are moved or removed. In one embodiment, one or more guide lugs are provided for engaging the slider to glide the slider from the receiving area onto the tape so as to readily engage the zipper teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Edgeworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Teddy L. Dishner, Terry Breaux
  • Patent number: 5745960
    Abstract: A device and method which facilitates the removal of a zipper component such as a slider e.g. for maintenance, repair, security and the like, is provided. In one embodiment a plate configured so that it can define a receiving area is positioned adjacent to a pair of zipper tapes such that a slider may be moved off the zipper tapes and into the receiving area. Preferably the receiving area is configured so that once the slider is in the receiving area it may be removed therefrom and/or a new slider may be inserted therein for positioning onto the zipper tapes. In one embodiment one or more removable doors or tabs are provided to limit movement of the slider and/or prevent movement into the receiving area unless the doors or stop members are moved or removed. In one embodiment, one or more guide lugs are provided for engaging the slider to glide the slider from the receiving area onto the tape so as to readily engage the zipper teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Walrus, Inc.
    Inventors: Teddy L. Dishner, Terry Breaux
  • Patent number: 5501000
    Abstract: A slider inserting apparatus is constructed such that before a concealed fastener chain is threaded through a slider, the front and back and the rear end of a flange portion and the left and right front surfaces and the left and right side surfaces and the fore-end of a guide post are held between a pair of upper and lower slider holders with a locking pawl held in a releasing position. With the insertion of the fastener chain, the back and rear end of the flange portion is freed from engagement with the lower holder to enable passage of the fastener chain through the slider. The slider is still held from different directions by the holders so that in despite of a unique or odd shape of the slider, the fastener chain can smoothly be threaded through the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Kondo
  • Patent number: 5438744
    Abstract: An automatic finishing method for an airtight and waterproof slide fastener, comprising the steps of: supplying each of a pair of slide fastener chains, which has coupling elements attached to a waterproof fastener tape by clamp elements, by a pair of toothed supply rollers meshing with the clamp elements of the respective slide fastener chain; and threading the slide fastener chains through a slider situated on a travelling path of the slide fastener chains for interengaging the slide fastener chains and then discharging the interengaged slide fastener chains from the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Yoichi Horikawa, Tsutomu Hakoi
  • Patent number: 5371941
    Abstract: Sliders are mounted in a continuous string or by swinging them into gaps in the otherwise continuous coupling chain. An opening or spreading device operates coupling members of the chain adjacent the gap and downstream thereof a fixing ram holds the members in position while the manipulator inserts the slide. A top guide and a lower guide are provided to receive the slider between them and to thread the free edges of the stringer threads into the slots on opposite sides of the cylinder core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Opti Patent-, Forschungs-und Fabrikations-AG
    Inventor: Sisir K. Sen Gupta
  • Patent number: 5369865
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying a slider to a slide fastener stringer in motion along a path of travel for the purpose of attaching the slider to the slide fastener stringer are disclosed. The apparatus comprises in combination a slider chute for delivering one slider after another in an upright posture, means for rotatably and releasably supporting the delivered slider at the lower end of the slider chute, means for rotating the slider so as to shift its upright posture to a horizontal posture, and a gripper for nipping the slider on opposite lateral surfaces thereof. The gripper is adapted to reciprocate in a vertical direction between the lower end of the slider chute and an assembly position in a path of travel of the slide fastener stringer positioned as separated downwardly from the slider chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Yoichi Hirokawa, Tsutomu Hakoi
  • Patent number: 5241742
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a continuous chain of fastener stringers with bottom end stops and sliders comprises a slider holder means capable of rotating about an axis extending parallel to the direction of feed of the stringer chain and having symmetrical upper and lower portions each with an identical set of operative parts. The slider holder means is rotatable intermittently each for an angular distance of 180.degree. between a first position in which a slider is received into one of a pair of pockets formed at opposite ends of the slider holder and a second position in which another slider already in the other pocket is assembled with its pull tab disposed on the same side of the stringer chain on which a bottom end stop is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Sawada
  • 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: 5142773
    Abstract: An apparatus is intended for holding a slider during threading through the slider a continuous slide fastener chain having a succession of fabric pieces along each of the opposite longitudinal marginal edges. The apparatus includes a slider holder adapted to releasably hold a slider receive a slider and an uppermost position where the fabric-pieced slide fastener chain is threaded through the slider. The apparatus additionally includes a slider holder retainer disposed on the path of vertical movement of the slider holder and adapted for retaining the slider holder stably, as the slider holder assumes the uppermost position for the threading operation, so as to prevent the slider holder from being wobbled and pulled downstream by the fabric-pieced slide fastener chain during the threading thereof through the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Akio Yunoki
  • Patent number: 5142772
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing slide fasteners of a predetermined length from a continuous slide fastener chain comprising a gripper unit for gripping a leading end of the continuous slide fastener chain and feeding the slide fastener chain longitudinally along a feed path, a cutter unit for cutting the slide fastener chain into a succession of slide fasteners of a predetermined length, and a plurality of slider holding units disposed downstream of the cutter unit along the feed path. The slider holding units are movable between a first position to hold a corresponding number of sliders in the feed path of the slide fastener chain to thread the sliders onto the slide fastener chain from the leading end thereof as the slide fastener chain is fed downstream by the gripper unit, and a second position remote from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Kiichiro Ishikawa
  • 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
  • Patent number: 5113567
    Abstract: A method of feeding an array of sliders one at a time for application onto a stringer chain is disclosed, which method comprises holding the array of slider linearly in a tilted position relative to a horizontal path of travel of the stringer chain so that the sliders can slide down smoothly by gravity, orienting a leading slider to lie flush with the horizontal path of the chain and transferring the leading slider over to a slider applying station. An apparatus is also disclosed for carrying this method into practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventor: Akio Yunoki
  • Patent number: 5103555
    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: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizuno, Kazuki Kuse, Shunji Akashi, Hiroshi Yoshida, Yozo Okada, Tatsuo Ito
  • Patent number: 5077884
    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: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizuno, Kazuki Kuse, Shunji Akashi, Hiroshi Yoshida, Yozo Okada, Tatsuo Ito
  • Patent number: 4980968
    Abstract: A method of mounting a slider on a workpiece consisting of a pair of parallel and longitudinally extending tapes having confronting edges provided with interleavable coupling elements and formed by removal of sections of the elements to form longitudinally spaced gaps comprises the steps of first feeding the workpiece in a normally forward travel direction along a Z-shaped path having an upstream portion, a middle portion, and a downstream portion. Then the presence of one of the gaps is detected at the middle portion and, when such presence is detected, the workpiece is arrested at the middle portion. The one gap of the arrested workpiece is then spread and thereafter a slider is pushed transversely into the spread gap. The workpiece is then gripped in the upstream portion and pulled backward so as to pull the coupling elements through the slider pushed into the gap. Finally the slider is released to continue forward advance of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Opti Patent-, Forschungs- und Fabrikations-AG
    Inventors: Reiner Hilterhaus, Reinhard Damaschke, Jorg Geiger, Kurt Scheid
  • Patent number: 4974315
    Abstract: A slider holding apparatus includes a slider holder for holding thereon a slider, and orientating means for angularly moving the slider holder on its vertical axis to adjust the orientation of the slider held on the slider holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Akio Yunoki
  • Patent number: 4882824
    Abstract: Apparatus grips and pulls zipper chain along from supply to a desired finite length, installing slider on the way. When next gap in chain is detected by a finger which inserts itself into gap and abruptly stops further advance of tape, a cutter closes to cut chain to length. Puller is driven by air cylinder, and back pressure is applied soon after puller starts. This reduces pulling force and eliminates tearing of zipper tape as tape is abruptly stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Scovill Fasteners Inc.
    Inventors: Walter H. Dziura, Angelo Fusco, Parviz Khosravi
  • Patent number: 4839963
    Abstract: A slider handling apparatus has a pressure roller and a drive roller peripherally engageable therewith to transfer a slide fastener chain assembled with component parts including sliders. A slider arresting means is operatively associated with the pressure and drive rollers for arresting sliders one at a time on the fastener chain at a predetermined point on the path of travel of the chain, the predetermined point being upstream of or in advance to the nip of the two rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventors: Hideki Akiyama, Toyoo Morita