BREAKAWAY SLIDE FASTENER FOR LARGE-SCALE APPLICATIONS AND METHODS FOR USING SAME

Abstract

A breakaway slide fastener having a single slider body can be implemented for use in connection with large-scale applications, such as covers for bedding articles, boat or automobile covers, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a cover for a bedding article includes a first cover portion having a first slide fastener tape, a second cover portion having a second slide fastener tape, and a single slider body configured to be maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape in order to bring a first row of slide fastener teeth into at least substantially interlocked arrangement with a second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby arranging the breakaway slide fastener into a closed configuration and pairing the first cover portion with the second cover portion around the bedding article. When the breakaway slide fastener is in the closed configuration, the single slider body is further configured to be maneuverable past a pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape to permit the first row of slide fastener teeth to be separable from the second row of slide fastener teeth by a pulling force applied to at least one of the first slide fastener tape or the second slide fastener tape, thereby facilitating detachment of the first cover portion from the second cover portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/054,446, filed Sep. 24, 2014, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Field of the Present Invention

The present invention relates generally to slide fasteners (e.g., zippers), and, in particular, to a slide fastener, having a single slider body, that can be implemented for use in connection with large-scale applications, such as mattress covers, boat or automobile covers, and the like.

Background

There are a number of large-scale slide fastener applications that utilize a pair of slider bodies (two-way zippers) rather than a single slider body, which is more typical. A slide fastener with two slider bodies has the advantage of simplifying use of very long zippers in large-scale applications, such as, for example, mattress covers, automobile soft-top covers, boat covers, and the like. The two slider bodies operate in opposite directions from one another so that each slider body need only be pulled approximately halfway around the article to be zipped. However, slide fasteners with two slider bodies are more complex and more expensive than slide fasteners with a single slider body, and can also be more expensive to manufacture.

Slide fasteners with a single slider body can also be implemented for use in large-scale applications such as those mentioned above. For example, a slide fastener with a single slider body can be used to fasten a mattress cover around a mattress. In such an application, a slide fastener with a single slider body is typically installed and used at the point of manufacture of the mattress to be covered. In many cases, the slide fastener is used as an alternative to more permanent solutions, such as sewing the cover around the mattress.

With regard to the manufacture of bedding articles generally, the slide fastener is sometimes selected as a fastening mechanism in order to allow a cover to be removed for cleaning or replacement or to facilitate access to the filling or interior elements of the article. In other instances, a slide fastener is selected because the cover is prepared and/or sewn in a country where labor costs are low and then shipped in a flattened condition to a country where labor costs are high but where the retail consumer is located (which can offer the advantage of reduced shipping costs). In both situations, however, the slide fastener is generally intended to be used very infrequently or only once during the lifetime of the article. As a result, the slide fastener often includes a low quality slider body and pull tab (because repeated opening and closing of the slide fastener is not intended).

A typical known slide fastener that is used in connection with bedding applications (and, in particular, with a mattress cover) is generally made in a manner that emphasizes the initial closing strength of the slide fastener. The ability to use the slide fastener after it is first closed during manufacture of the bedding article is usually of far less significance. The fit of the cover is often very tight around the mattress, which requires precise alignment of the cover halves by the manufacturer in order to properly close the slide fastener around the mattress. Although such slide fasteners may have high lateral strength to prevent the slide fastener teeth from separating during the expected lifetime of the mattress, the slider body, pull tab, and other assembly features are often of a low quality in order to keep assembly costs to a minimum.

Because the slide fastener in the mattress is only intended to be used at the time of manufacture, the precise alignment requirements to ensure that the cover fits around the mattress are generally not too onerous. However, once the mattress reaches a retail consumer, attempted use of the slide fastener can present a host of operational difficulties. Depending on where the bottom stop of the slide fastener is sewn relative to the corners of the mattress, it may be very difficult for a retail consumer to operate the zipper at all. For example, if the bottom stops are mounted to a corner, it may be exceedingly difficult for a retail consumer to align the stops in order to engage the slide fastener teeth from opposed zipper tapes with one another. Further, if the mattress fits snugly within a bed frame, or the bed frame is arranged against a wall, the retail consumer may have to tilt the mattress or pull the mattress away from the wall in order to be able to access the slider body and pull it completely around the circumference of the mattress in order to remove the top cover. Still further, if the slider body and/or pull tab are of a low quality, there exists a possibility that the slide fastener becomes permanently broken or otherwise unusable if the mattress cover is unfastened by the retail consumer.

Accordingly, a need exists for improvement in the field of slide fasteners that are implemented for use in large-scale applications, such as mattress covers, boat or automobile covers, and the like. Furthermore, a need exists for an improved slide fastener, installed in a large-scale application, that is both easy for a consumer to use and can be operated on multiple occasions. These, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention may overcome one or more of the above disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above, but the present invention is not required to overcome any particular disadvantage described above, and some exemplary embodiments of the present invention may not overcome any of the disadvantages described above.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect includes a cover for a bedding article. The cover includes a first cover portion having a first slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached thereto and a second cover portion having a second slide fastener tape of the breakaway slide fastener attached thereto. The first slide fastener tape includes a first row of slide fastener teeth and a pliable top stop at an end of the first row of slide fastener teeth, and the second slide fastener tape includes a second row of slide fastener teeth and a non-pliable top stop at an end of the second row of slide fastener teeth. The cover further includes a single slider body configured to be maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape in order to bring the first row of slide fastener teeth into at least substantially interlocked arrangement with the second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby arranging the breakaway slide fastener in a closed configuration and pairing the first cover portion with the second cover portion around the bedding article. When the breakaway slide fastener is in the closed configuration, the single slider body is further configured to be maneuverable past the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape to permit the first row of slide fastener teeth to be separable from the second row of slide fastener teeth by a pulling force applied to at least one of the first slide fastener tape or the second slide fastener tape, thereby facilitating detachment of the first cover portion from the second cover portion.

In a feature of this aspect, the bedding article may be a mattress for a bed. In another feature of this aspect, the bedding article may be a futon cushion. In still another feature of this aspect, the bedding article may be a pillow.

In other features of this aspect, the slide fastener teeth of the first and second rows of slide fastener teeth may be coil-type teeth; when the breakaway slide fastener is arranged in the closed configuration, the pliable top stop may be disposed at a position that is offset from that of the non-pliable top stop; the single slider body may be further configured so as not to be maneuverable past the non-pliable top stop of the second slide fastener tape; and/or the pulling force may be a force that is applied at an angle relative to an axis defined by a direction that the single slider body is maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape when the breakaway slide fastener is in the closed configuration.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect includes a method of removing at least a portion of a cover for a bedding article. The method includes providing a bedding article at least substantially entirely enveloped by a cover comprised of a first cover portion disposed at a top of the bedding article and a second cover portion disposed at a bottom of the bedding article. The first cover portion includes a first slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached thereto, and the first slide fastener tape includes a first row of slide fastener teeth and a pliable top stop at an end of the first row of slide fastener teeth. The second cover portion includes a second slide fastener tape of the breakaway slide fastener attached thereto, and the second slide fastener tape includes a second row of slide fastener teeth and a non-pliable top stop at an end of the second row of slide fastener teeth. The first row of slide fastener teeth is in an at least substantially interlocked arrangement with the second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby pairing the first cover portion with the second cover portion. The method further includes: maneuvering a single slider body of the breakaway slide fastener along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape to position the single slider body at the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape; pulling the single slider body past the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape so that the single slider body is no longer engaged with the first slide fastener tape; and applying a pulling force to at least one of the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape to separate the first row of slide fastener teeth from the second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby detaching the first cover portion from the second cover portion.

In a feature of this aspect, the bedding article may be a mattress for a bed. In another feature of this aspect, the bedding article may be a futon cushion. In still another feature of this aspect, the bedding article may be a pillow.

In another feature of this aspect, the slide fastener teeth of the first and second rows of slide fastener teeth may be coil-type teeth.

In another feature of this aspect, the single slider body may be configured so as not to be maneuverable past the non-pliable top stop of the second slide fastener tape. In another feature of this aspect, when the first cover portion is detached from the second cover portion, the single slider body may remain engaged with the second slide fastener tape.

In another feature of this aspect, applying a pulling force may include applying a pulling force at an angle relative to an axis defined by a direction that the single slider body is maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape when the breakaway slide fastener is in a closed configuration.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect includes a method of replacing a portion of a cover for a bedding article. The method includes providing a bedding article at least substantially entirely enveloped by a cover comprised of a first cover portion disposed at a top of the bedding article and a second cover portion disposed at a bottom of the bedding article. The first cover portion includes a first slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached thereto, and the first slide fastener tape includes a first row of slide fastener teeth and a pliable top stop at an end of the first row of slide fastener teeth. The second cover portion includes a second slide fastener tape of the breakaway slide fastener attached thereto, and the second slide fastener tape includes a second row of slide fastener teeth and a non-pliable top stop at an end of the second row of slide fastener teeth. The first row of slide fastener teeth is in an at least substantially interlocked arrangement with the second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby pairing the first cover portion with the second cover portion. The method further includes: maneuvering a single slider body of the breakaway slide fastener along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape to position the single slider body at the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape; pulling the single slider body past the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape so that the single slider body is no longer engaged with the first slide fastener tape; applying a pulling force to at least one of the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape to separate the first row of slide fastener teeth from the second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby detaching the first cover portion from the second cover portion; and replacing the detached first cover portion with a replacement first cover portion, the replacement first cover portion being configured to have a row of slide fastener teeth with a tooth pitch that matches a tooth pitch of the second row of slide fastener teeth of the second cover portion.

In a feature of this aspect, the bedding article may be a mattress for a bed.

In another feature of this aspect, applying a pulling force may include applying a pulling force at an angle relative to an axis defined by a direction that the single slider body is maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape when the breakaway slide fastener is in a closed configuration.

In another feature of this aspect, the method may further include: seating a pin disposed on a slide fastener tape of the replacement first cover portion with a box disposed on the second slide fastener tape of the second cover portion; and maneuvering the single slider body along the slide fastener tape of the replacement first cover portion and the second slide fastener tape to bring the row of slide fastener teeth of the replacement first cover portion into at least substantially interlocked arrangement with the second row of slide fastener teeth of the second cover portion, thereby pairing the replacement first cover portion with the second cover portion around the bedding article.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect includes a cover assembly for a boat cockpit. The cover assembly includes a cover comprised of at least one panel having a first slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached along a perimeter edge thereof and a second slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached to an edge of a panel attachment area of the boat cockpit. The first slide fastener tape includes a first row of slide fastener teeth and a pliable top stop at an end of the first row of slide fastener teeth, and the second slide fastener tape includes a second row of slide fastener teeth and a non-pliable top stop at an end of the second row of slide fastener teeth. The cover assembly further includes a single slider body configured to be maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape in order to bring the first row of slide fastener teeth into at least substantially interlocked arrangement with the second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby arranging the breakaway slide fastener into a closed configuration and pairing the at least one panel to the panel attachment area. When the breakaway slide fastener is in the closed configuration, the single slider body is further configured to be maneuverable past the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape to permit the first row of slide fastener teeth to be separable from the second row of slide fastener teeth by a pulling force applied to at least one of the first slide fastener tape or the second slide fastener tape, thereby facilitating detachment of the panel from the panel attachment area of the boat cockpit.

In features of this aspect, the slide fastener teeth of the first and second rows of slide fastener teeth may be coil-type teeth; when the breakaway slide fastener is arranged in the closed configuration, the pliable top stop may be disposed at a position that is offset from that of the non-pliable top stop; the single slider body may be further configured so as not to be maneuverable past the non-pliable top stop of the second slide fastener tape; and/or the pulling force may be a force that is applied at an angle relative to an axis defined by a direction that the single slider body is maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape when the breakaway slide fastener is in the closed configuration.

In another feature of this aspect, the at least one panel may be configured to cover a portion of the boat cockpit. In another feature of this aspect, the at least one panel may be configured to cover substantially the entirety of the boat cockpit.

In another feature of this aspect, the at least one panel may include a plurality of panels.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect includes a method of removing a cover from a boat cockpit. The method includes providing a cover, comprised of at least one panel, and a panel attachment area of a boat cockpit. The at least one panel includes a first slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached along a perimeter edge thereof, and the first slide fastener tape includes a first row of slide fastener teeth and a pliable top stop at an end of the first row of slide fastener teeth. The panel attachment area of the boat cockpit includes a second slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached to an edge thereof, and the second slide fastener tape includes a second row of slide fastener teeth and a non-pliable top stop at an end of the second row of slide fastener teeth. The first row of slide fastener teeth is in an at least substantially interlocked arrangement with the second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby coupling the at least one panel to the panel attachment area. The method further includes: maneuvering a single slider body of the breakaway slide fastener along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape to position the single slider body at the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape; pulling the single slider body past the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape so that the single slider body is no longer engaged with the first slide fastener tape; and applying a pulling force to at least one of the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape to separate the first row of slide fastener teeth from the second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby detaching the at least one panel from the panel attachment area and facilitating removal of the cover from the boat cockpit.

In a feature of this aspect, the slide fastener teeth of the first and second rows of slide fastener teeth may be coil-type teeth.

In another feature of this aspect, the single slider body may be configured so as not to be maneuverable past the non-pliable top stop of the second slide fastener tape. In another feature of this aspect, when the at least one panel is detached from the panel attachment area, the single slider body may remain engaged with the second slide fastener tape.

In another feature of this aspect, applying a pulling force may include applying a pulling force at an angle relative to an axis defined by a direction that the single slider body is maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape when the breakaway slide fastener is in a closed configuration.

In another feature of this aspect, the at least one panel may be configured to cover a portion of the boat cockpit. In another feature of this aspect, the at least one panel may be configured to cover substantially the entirety of the boat cockpit.

In another feature of this aspect, the at least one panel may include a plurality of panels.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a breakaway slide fastener in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention, shown with a slider body near a pliable top stop;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the breakaway slide fastener of FIG. 1, shown with the slider body disposed at the pliable top stop;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the breakaway slide fastener of FIG. 1, shown with the slider body pulled past the pliable top stop;

FIGS. 4A-4D are perspective views of a mattress enveloped by a two-piece mattress cover that incorporates the breakaway slide fastener of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a boat covered in part by a boat cockpit cover that incorporates the breakaway slide fastener of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 5B and 5C are rear views of the boat of FIG. 5A, depicting a method of opening the boat cockpit cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a breakaway slide fastener 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention, shown with a slider body 120 near a pliable top stop 112. It is contemplated that the slider body 120 may include a pull tab (not shown), although a pull tab is not required for the slider body 120 to be maneuverable. As shown in FIG. 1, the slide fastener 100 includes a pair of slide fastener tapes 101,102, each having a row of interlocking slide fastener teeth 115,116 attached thereto. In a contemplated embodiment, the slide fastener teeth 115,116 are coil-type teeth. A slider body 120 is positioned along the slide fastener tapes 101,102 and is configured to be maneuvered along the slide fastener tapes 101,102 to fasten or unfasten the slide fastener teeth 115,116 in the conventional manner.

As shown in FIG. 1, the slide fastener 100 further includes a pair of top stops 110,112 disposed at a first end of the pair of slide fastener tapes 101,102. The pair of top stops 110,112 includes a pliable top stop 112 disposed at an end of the first slide fastener tape 101 and a non-pliable top stop 110 disposed at the same end of the second slide fastener tape 102. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the pliable top stop 112 is of the breakaway variety. In this regard, the pliable top stop 112 disposed on the first slide fastener tape 101 operates to prevent the slider body 120 from moving past the pliable top stop 112 under normal operating conditions, but permits the slider body 120 to move over and past the pliable top stop 112 when a pre-determined greater force is applied. The pliable top stop 112 generally includes a pliable element, such as a molded plastic material, that is shaped to permit the slider body 120 to pass over it when the pre-determined greater force is applied. The non-pliable top stop 110 disposed on the second slide fastener tape 102 operates to prevent the slider body 120 from being removed from the second slide fastener tape 102—even when a greater than normal operating force is applied.

As is further shown in FIG. 1, the slide fastener 100 further includes a pin-and-box assembly disposed at a second end of the pair of slide fastener tapes 101,102. The pin 103 of the pin-and-box assembly is disposed at an end of the first slide fastener tape 101 (opposite to the end where the pliable top stop 112 is located), and the box 104 of the pin-and-box assembly is disposed at the same end of the second slide fastener tape 102 (opposite to the end where the non-pliable top stop 110 is located).

In accordance with a process of assembling the slide fastener 100, the pitch of the slide fastener teeth (i.e., the distance between mating pairs of slide fastener teeth) should be precise. One reason for such precision arises from the manufacturing process, as detailed below. In a method of manufacturing a slide fastener with coil-type slide fastener teeth, the slide fastener teeth are formed by feeding two identical tapes into a coil-forming machine where two polyester mono-filaments are formed into spirals and then simultaneously sewn to the two tapes. This step results in creation of two slide fastener tapes, each with a row of slide fastener teeth that are interlocked upon exit from the coil-forming machine.

The interlocked slide fastener tapes (often referred to as a zipper chain) are then gapped, whereby some length of the slide fastener teeth are removed from the slide fastener tapes to form a gapped section. It is contemplated that the zipper chain can be gapped at regular intervals to create multiple gapped sections in the zipper chain. In particular, it is contemplated that the zipper chain can be gapped at intervals based on the desired finished length of the slide fastener.

Gapped sections of the zipper chain can then be laminated with a film. A slider body can be pulled through the zipper chain from one end thereof—at least for a short portion—and the zipper chain can be cut at the closest laminated section to form a slide fastener with a single slider body installed thereon.

Top stops, as detailed above, can be installed at one end of the pair of slide fastener tapes, and a pin-and-box assembly, as detailed above, can be installed at the other end of the pair of slide fastener tapes. In particular, one end of the cut zipper chain can be inserted into a molding machine, where the pliable top stop and the non-pliable top stop can be molded onto the zipper chain. The pin-and-box assembly can be installed at the other end of the cut zipper chain at a laminated section (with the pin installed at a laminated end of one of the slide fastener tapes and the box installed at the same laminated end of the other slide fastener tape).

Returning to FIG. 1, the slide fastener 100 is shown partially fastened, with the slider body 120 pulled along the chain to a position near the top stops 110,112. The slide fastener teeth 115,116 are shown in close proximity to each other as they are positioned just beyond the top of the slider body 120. Further pulling the slider body 120 toward the pliable top stop 112 results in the slide fastener 100 being in the fully closed position, as detailed below, with the slide fastener teeth 115,116 of each slide fastener tape 101,102 being fully interlocked.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the breakaway slide fastener 100 of FIG. 1, shown with the slider body 120 disposed at the pliable top stop 112. As shown in FIG. 2, the slider body 120 has been maneuvered to the fully closed position, whereby the slide fastener teeth 115,116 of each slide fastener tape 101,102 are fully interlocked. In the fully closed position, the slider body 120 is positioned at the pliable top stop 112 (which is obscured in FIG. 2 by the slider body 120). It is contemplated that, in the fully closed position, the pliable top stop 112 is disposed within the slider body 120. The non-pliable top stop 110 on the second slide fastener tape 102 can be seen adjacent to, but outside of, the slider body 120.

It should be noted that the pliable top stop 112 and the non-pliable top stop 110 are disposed at different positions along the length of the respective slide fastener tapes 101,102. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the non-pliable top stop 110 is closer to the nearest end of the second slide fastener tape 102 than the pliable top stop 110 is to the nearest end of the first slide fastener tape 101. In this regard, when the slider body 120 is positioned at the pliable top stop 112, as shown in FIG. 2, there exists a gap 114 between the top of the slider body 120 and the non-pliable top stop 110.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the breakaway slide fastener 100 of FIG. 1, shown with the slider body 120 pulled past the pliable top stop 112. As shown in FIG. 3, the slider body 120 has been maneuvered past the fully closed position described in connection with FIG. 2. The slider body 120 remains attached to the second slide fastener tape 102 because the non-pliable top stop 110 prevents the slider body 120 from being removed.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the pliable top stop 112 is now visible, as it has been pulled entirely through the slider body 120. Though the majority of the slide fastener teeth 115,116 remain interlocked, it can be seen that a gap 124 between the slide fastener tapes 101,102 is open where some of the slide fastener teeth 115,116 have been pulled apart. With the slider body 120 pulled past the pliable top stop 112 (and also past the last of the slide fastener teeth 115 on the first slide fastener tape 101), it is now possible to “burst” the remaining slide fastener teeth apart by pulling the slide fastener tapes 101,102 away from one another. In a contemplated embodiment, the slide fastener teeth 115,116 can be burst by pulling the slide fastener tapes 101,102 away from one another at a slight angle. While slide fasteners generally have high lateral breaking strength when the slide fastener tapes are substantially parallel to each other (as the slide fastener tapes 101,102 are when the slider fastener 100 is closed), slide fasteners generally have very low lateral strength when the slide fastener tapes are not parallel. As a result, when the slide fastener tapes 101,102 are pulled away from one another at a slight angle relative to an axis defined by a direction of operation of the slider body 120 (when the slide fastener 100 is in the closed configuration), the slide fastener teeth 115,116 may be easily burst.

As described above, it is contemplated that the breakaway slide fastener 100 can be opened quickly without the need to maneuver the slider body 120 along the length of the slide fastener tapes 101,102. Once the slide fastener teeth 115,116 are fully burst, the slide fastener 100 is fully open, and the slide fastener tapes 101,102 can be fully separated from one another. After separating the slide fastener tapes 101,102, the slider body 120 remains attached to the slide fastener tape 102 having the non-pliable top stop 110 and the box 104 of the pin-and-box assembly.

It is further contemplated that the slide fastener 100 can be unfastened and refastened on multiple occasions without breaking or otherwise becoming damaged. In this regard, the slider body 120 can be pulled along the slide fastener tape 102 (to which it is still attached) and toward the box 104 of the pin-and-box assembly. The other slide fastener tape 101 can be positioned adjacent the slide fastener tape 102, and the pin 103 of the pin-and-box assembly can be inserted through the slider body 120 and into the box 104 of the pin-and-box assembly. The slider body 120 is then ready to be maneuvered along both slide fastener tapes 101,102 so as to bring the slide fastener teeth 115,116 into interlocking arrangement with one another, thereby fastening the slide fastener tapes 101,102 together. To re-fasten the slide fastener 100, the slider body 120 can be pulled all the way along the slide fastener tapes 101,102 toward the pliable top stop 112 (as shown in FIG. 1), but not past the pliable top stop 112, thereby resulting in the slide fastener 100 being in the fully closed position once again.

As can now be understood, the breakaway slide fastener 100 described in connection with FIGS. 1-3 has utility across a wide range of consumer products—many of which can be considered large-scale applications, such as mattress covers, boat or automobile covers, and the like. Furthermore, because use of the breakaway slide fastener 100 is less likely to result in breakage or damage to the component parts (e.g., the slider body 120 or the slide fastener teeth 115,116), the slide fastener 100 is capable of being unfastened and re-fastened on multiple occasions.

In one contemplated application, the breakaway slide fastener 100 can be used as a closure for a bedding article, such as a mattress for a bed. In this regard, FIGS. 4A-4D are perspective views of a mattress 225 enveloped by a two-piece mattress cover 221,222 that incorporates the breakaway slide fastener 100 of FIG. 1. In other contemplated embodiments, the breakaway slide fastener 100 can be used as a closure for other bedding articles, such as, for example, a futon cover used for a futon cushion, or a pillow cover used for a large pillow.

Covering large articles, such as the mattress 225 depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D, generally requires the use of very long slide fasteners. In some contemplated embodiments (such as, for example, a mattress cover for a king size mattress), the slide fastener can have a length that measures over 300 inches (762 cm). Use of the breakaway slide fastener 100 of the present invention for large-scale applications offers advantages over conventional slide fasteners. For example, if a user needs to remove the mattress cover from a mattress using a convention slide fastener, the user must, by necessity, have clear access to all sides of the mattress in order to be able to manipulate the slider body fully around the circumference of the mattress. This is true even for mattress covers that utilize a slide fastener that has two slider bodies that operate in opposite directions from one another.

However, use of the breakaway slide fastener 100 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3 allows the user to unfasten and remove a top half of the mattress cover without needing access to all sides of the mattress 225. In particular, it is contemplated that with the breakaway slide fastener 100 of the present invention, a user may only need access to a portion of one side of the mattress where the slider body 120 is located, as will be explained in greater detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, a method of using the breakaway slide fastener 100 to fasten a mattress cover around a conventional mattress 225 can be understood. With reference to FIG. 4A, a conventional mattress 225 is shown disposed between two mattress cover halves 221,222. In particular, the mattress 225 is positioned on top of a mattress cover bottom half 222, and a mattress cover top half 221 is placed on top of the mattress 225. When the mattress cover is first assembled, one slide fastener tape 101 of the slide fastener 100 can be sewn or otherwise attached to a perimeter edge of the mattress cover top half 221. Similarly, the other slide fastener tape 102 of the slide fastener 100 can be sewn or otherwise attached to a perimeter edge of the mattress cover bottom half 222.

Notably, in the embodiment described in FIGS. 4A-4D, the pliable top stop 112 is disposed on the slide fastener tape 101 that is attached to the mattress cover top half 221, and the non-pliable top stop 110 is disposed on the slide fastener tape 102 that is attached to the mattress cover bottom half 222. Likewise, the slider body 120 of the slide fastener 100 is mounted on the slide fastener tape 102 that is attached to the mattress cover bottom half 222. In this regard, the mattress cover top half 101 can be laundered with relative ease upon removal from atop the mattress 225, and there is less risk of breakage or damage to the slider body 120 (as the slider body 120 remains attached to the mattress cover bottom half 222 while the top half 221 is laundered). In other contemplated embodiments, the slide fastener tapes 101,102 can be reversed, with the slide fastener tape 101 attached to the mattress cover bottom half 222 and the slide fastener tape 102 attached to the mattress cover top half 221. As further shown in FIG. 4A, the slider body 120 may optionally include a pull tab 113 in at least some embodiments.

With further reference to FIG. 4A, the pin 103 of one slide fastener tape 101 can be inserted through the slider body 120 and into the box 104 of the other slide fastener tape 102. Once the pin 103 is properly seated in the box 104, the slide fastener 100 is ready to be closed, thereby fastening the mattress cover around the mattress 225.

Turning now to FIGS. 4B and 4C, the breakaway slide fastener 100 is closed in order to fasten the mattress cover around the mattress 225. To close the slide fastener 100, the slider body 120 is pulled in a clockwise direction (when the mattress 225 is viewed from above, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C) until the slider body 120 meets the pliable top stop 112. In FIG. 4B, the slide fastener 100 is shown in a nearly fully closed position. The slider body 120 has been maneuvered nearly the entire length of the slide fastener tapes 101,102, thereby bringing the slide fastener teeth into interlocking arrangement and fastening the slide fastener tapes 101,102 together. In FIG. 4C, the slide fastener 100 is shown fully closed, with the slider body 120 positioned at the pliable top stop (which is obscured in FIG. 4C by the slider body 120).

Turning now to FIG. 4D, a method of using the breakaway slide fastener 100 to unfasten and detach the mattress cover top half 221 can be understood. In order to unfasten and detach the mattress cover top half 212, the process described above can be reversed. However, the pliable top stop 112 of the breakaway slide fastener 100 makes reversal of the process described above unnecessary. To unfasten the mattress cover top half 212, the slider body 120 is pulled past the pliable top stop 112 so that the slider body 120 is no longer attached to the slide fastener tape 101 that has the pliable top stop 112. In so doing, a gap between the slide fastener tapes 101,102 can be initiated, where the slide fastener teeth are no longer interlocked with one another. The mattress cover top half 221 (which includes the slide fastener tape 101) can then be pulled at a slight angle from the mattress cover bottom half 222 (which includes the slide fastener tape 102 and the slider body 120). In this regard, the remaining slide fastener teeth can be quickly disengaged from one another, and the mattress cover top half 221 is no longer attached to the mattress cover bottom half 222.

Advantageously, a retail consumer only needs to pull the slider body 120 past the pliable top stop 112 by a very short distance (usually measuring no more than a fraction of an inch) in order to initiate the breakaway process. Once the breakaway process has been initiated, the retail consumer can simply pull the mattress cover top half 221 away from the bottom half 222 and the mattress 225 in order to burst the slide fastener teeth along the entire length of the slide fastener 100. The detached mattress cover top half 221 is then fully removed. In some contemplated embodiments, the mattress cover top half 221 can be laundered and then refastened to the mattress cover bottom half 222. In other contemplated embodiments, the mattress cover top half 221 can be replaced with a substitute mattress cover top half In an embodiment where the mattress cover top half 221 is replaced with a substitute mattress cover top half, the slide fastener teeth of the substitute top half should be configured to have the same pitch as the existing mattress cover bottom half 222. In this regard, the retail consumer can ensure that the substitute mattress cover top half can be properly mated with the existing mattress cover bottom half 222.

As should now be clear, the breakaway slide fastener 100 of the present invention advantageously allows the retail consumer to begin the unfastening process from a single location along the length of the mattress 225 (i.e., the location of the slider body 120). Once the slider body 120 is moved past the pliable top stop 112, the retail consumer simply pulls the slide fastener tapes 101,102 apart to complete the unfastening process. Because the retail consumer is not required to maneuver the slider body 120 any further to complete the process, the need to have access to more than a very small portion of one side of the mattress 225 can be eliminated.

In another contemplated application, the breakaway slide fastener 100 can be used as a closure for a boat cockpit cover 332. In this regard, FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a boat 330 covered in part by a boat cockpit cover 332 that incorporates the breakaway slide fastener 100 of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 5B and 5C are rear views of the boat 330 of FIG. 5A, depicting a method of opening the boat cockpit cover 332.

Boat cockpit covers can be manufactured to have any of a range of different sizes and/or configurations, and, in many cases, covers are manufactured to fit a particular boat model. Due to their size and scope of coverage, boat cockpit covers are often very difficult to fasten into position over the boat cockpit. Further, it is desirable that a boat cover fit very tautly in order to prevent wind damage that might occur to a boat cover that is not taut. In addition, a boat cover is typically exposed to extreme variations in temperature and humidity, which makes a taut fit even more challenging to the designer of such covers. In many cases, the cover extends over substantially all of the boat cockpit area, thereby leaving little room for a user to stand when fastening or unfastening the cover from the boat. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, attachment of a boat cockpit cover 332 over the boat cockpit area can be simplified by use of a breakaway slide fastener 100 as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3.

An exemplary boat cockpit cover that utilizes the breakaway slide fastener of the present invention generally includes one or more panels that can be fastened into position over the boat cockpit area using one or more breakaway slide fasteners. One such boat cockpit cover 332 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C. As shown in FIG. 5A, a central panel 334 is fastened to two adjoining panels 335,336 and an overhead canopy 338 using a breakaway slide fastener 100. Panels 334,335,336 are generally made from a transparent material, such as a clear vinyl material, or an opaque material, such as a canvas material. In a contemplated embodiment (depicted in FIGS. 5A-5C), the central panel 334 is fastened to the two adjoining panels 335,336 and the overhead canopy 338 with a slide fastener 100 along three sides, and the central panel 334 is attached at its bottom side to the boat 330 with a plurality of snap fasteners 340. It is further contemplated that the central panel 334 can be fastened at all sides with a slide fastener 100, which may be pertinent to other boat models.

A process for fastening the central panel 334 into position over the boat cockpit area mirrors the process described above in connection with FIGS. 4A-4D. Here, one slide fastener tape is attached along three sides of the central panel 334, and the other slide fastener tape is attached at adjacent edges of the adjoining panels 335,336 and the overhead canopy 338. To close the central panel 334, a pin disposed on one of the slide fastener tapes is inserted through a slider body 120 and is seated in a box disposed on the other slide fastener tape. The slider body 120 can then be pulled upward along the adjacent edge of one of the adjoining panels 336, across the adjoining edge of the overhead canopy 338, and then downward along the adjacent edge of the other adjoining panel 335 until the slider body 120 reaches a pliable top stop disposed on one of the slide fastener tapes. The bottom side of the central panel 334 can be snapped into position against the boat 330 with the snap fasteners 340. Once the slider body 120 reaches the pliable top stop and the snap fasteners 340 are fastened, the central panel 334 of the boat cockpit cover 332 is in the fully closed position, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

With reference to FIG. 5C, it is contemplated that a user may choose to initiate the fastening process from inside the boat cockpit area 342. In this regard, the user can seat the pin within the box and start maneuvering the slider body 120 along the slide fastener tapes while standing in the boat cockpit area 342. Then, upon a reaching a certain point (such as, perhaps, maneuvering the slider body halfway around the opening), the user can step outside of the boat cockpit area 342 onto a boat rail, a dock, or a landing area, and then finish maneuvering the slider body 120 until it reaches the pliable top stop. It is contemplated that the slider body 120 may be configured to have a pull tab at each side in order to aid the user with fastening the central panel 334 in this manner.

In order to unfasten and detach the central panel 334, the process described above can be reversed. However, the pliable top stop of the breakaway slide fastener 100 makes reversal of the process described above unnecessary. In many instances, the taut fit of a typical boat cover is obtained only when the cover is completely fastened, but there may be significant looseness prior to complete closure. For this reason, it may be difficult to unfasten a cover by reversing the process described above due to the difficulty of pushing a slide fastener slider body when the cover is partially loosened. Similar to the method discussed above in connection with FIGS. 4A-4D, to unfasten the central panel 334, the slider body 120 need only be pulled past the pliable top stop so that the slider body 120 is no longer attached to the slide fastener tape that has the pliable top stop. In so doing, a gap between the slide fastener tapes can be initiated, where the slide fastener teeth are no longer interlocked with one another. The central panel 334 (including one of the slide fastener tapes) can then be pulled at a slight angle from the other slide fastener tape that is attached to the adjoining panels 335,336 and the overhead canopy 338. In this regard, the remaining slide fastener teeth can be quickly disengaged from one another, and the central panel 334 can be fully detached (as shown in FIG. 5C) for storage at the dock or in the boat cockpit area 342.

Advantageously, a user only needs to pull the slider body 120 past the pliable top stop 112 by a very short distance (usually measuring no more than a fraction of an inch) in order to initiate the breakaway process. Once the breakaway process has been initiated, the user can simply pull the central panel 334 at a slight angle in order to burst the slide fastener teeth along the entire length of the slide fastener 100.

Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1.-20. (canceled)

21. A cover assembly for a boat cockpit, the cover assembly comprising:

at least one panel having a first slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached along a perimeter edge thereof, the first slide fastener tape including a first row of slide fastener teeth and a pliable top stop at an end of the first row of slide fastener teeth;

a second slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached to an edge of a panel attachment area of a boat cockpit, the second slide fastener tape including a second row of slide fastener teeth and a non-pliable top stop at an end of the second row of slide fastener teeth; and

a single slider body configured to be maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape in order to bring the first row of slide fastener teeth into at least substantially interlocked arrangement with the second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby arranging the breakaway slide fastener into a closed configuration and pairing the at least one panel to the panel attachment area;

wherein, when the breakaway slide fastener is in the closed configuration, the single slider body is further configured to be maneuverable past the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape to permit the first row of slide fastener teeth to be separable from the second row of slide fastener teeth by a pulling force applied to at least one of the first slide fastener tape or the second slide fastener tape, thereby facilitating detachment of the panel from the panel attachment area of the boat cockpit.

22. The cover assembly for a boat cockpit of claim 21, wherein the slide fastener teeth of the first and second rows of slide fastener teeth are coil-type teeth.

23. The cover assembly for a boat cockpit of claim 21, wherein, when the breakaway slide fastener is arranged in the closed configuration, the pliable top stop is disposed at a position that is offset from that of the non-pliable top stop.

24. The cover assembly for a boat cockpit of claim 21, wherein the single slider body is further configured so as not to be maneuverable past the non-pliable top stop of the second slide fastener tape.

25. The cover assembly for a boat cockpit of claim 21, wherein the pulling force is a force that is applied at an angle relative to an axis defined by a direction that the single slider body is maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape when the breakaway slide fastener is in the closed configuration.

26. The cover assembly for a boat cockpit of claim 21, wherein the at least one panel is configured to cover a portion of the boat cockpit.

27. The cover assembly for a boat cockpit of claim 21, wherein the at least one panel is configured to cover substantially the entirety of the boat cockpit.

28. The cover assembly for a boat cockpit of claim 21, wherein the at least one panel includes a plurality of panels.

29. A method of removing a cover from a boat cockpit, the method comprising:

(a) providing a cover, comprised of at least one panel, and a panel attachment area of a boat cockpit, wherein: (i) the at least one panel includes a first slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached along a perimeter edge thereof, the first slide fastener tape including a first row of slide fastener teeth and a pliable top stop at an end of the first row of slide fastener teeth; (ii) the panel attachment area of the boat cockpit includes a second slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached to an edge thereof, the second slide fastener tape including a second row of slide fastener teeth and a non-pliable top stop at an end of the second row of slide fastener teeth; and (iii) the first row of slide fastener teeth is in an at least substantially interlocked arrangement with the second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby coupling the at least one panel to the panel attachment area;

(b) maneuvering a single slider body of the breakaway slide fastener along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape to position the single slider body at the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape;

(c) pulling the single slider body past the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape so that the single slider body is no longer engaged with the first slide fastener tape; and

(d) applying a pulling force to at least one of the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape to separate the first row of slide fastener teeth from the second row of slide fastener teeth, thereby detaching the at least one panel from the panel attachment area and facilitating removal of the cover from the boat cockpit.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the slide fastener teeth of the first and second rows of slide fastener teeth are coil-type teeth.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the single slider body is configured so as not to be maneuverable past the non-pliable top stop of the second slide fastener tape.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein, when the at least one panel is detached from the panel attachment area, the single slider body remains engaged with the second slide fastener tape.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein applying a pulling force includes applying a pulling force at an angle relative to an axis defined by a direction that the single slider body is maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape when the breakaway slide fastener is in a closed configuration.

34. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one panel is configured to cover a portion of the boat cockpit.

35. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one panel is configured to cover substantially the entirety of the boat cockpit.

36. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one panel includes a plurality of panels.

37. The cover assembly for a boat cockpit of claim 21, wherein, when the breakaway slide fastener is arranged in the closed configuration, the at least one panel is fully taut relative to the panel attachment area.

38. A cover assembly for a boat cockpit, the cover assembly comprising:

at least one panel having a first slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached along a perimeter edge thereof, the first slide fastener tape including a first row of coil-type slide fastener teeth and a pliable top stop at an end of the first row of coil-type slide fastener teeth;

a second slide fastener tape of a breakaway slide fastener attached to an edge of a panel attachment area of a boat cockpit, the second slide fastener tape including a second row of coil-type slide fastener teeth and a non-pliable top stop at an end of the second row of coil-type slide fastener teeth; and

a single slider body configured to be maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape in order to bring the first row of coil-type slide fastener teeth into at least substantially interlocked arrangement with the second row of coil-type slide fastener teeth, thereby arranging the breakaway slide fastener into a closed configuration and securing the at least one panel in a fully taut configuration relative to the panel attachment area;

wherein, when the breakaway slide fastener is in the closed configuration, the single slider body is further configured to be maneuverable past the pliable top stop of the first slide fastener tape to permit the first row of coil-type slide fastener teeth to be separable from the second row of coil-type slide fastener teeth by a pulling force applied to at least one of the first slide fastener tape or the second slide fastener tape, thereby releasing the at least one panel from the taut configuration and facilitating detachment of the panel from the panel attachment area of the boat cockpit; and

wherein the pulling force is a force that is applied at an angle relative to an axis defined by a direction that the single slider body is maneuverable along the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape when the breakaway slide fastener is in the closed configuration.

39. The cover assembly for a boat cockpit of claim 38, wherein, when the breakaway slide fastener is arranged in the closed configuration, the pliable top stop is disposed at a position that is offset from that of the non-pliable top stop.

40. The cover assembly for a boat cockpit of claim 38, wherein the single slider body is further configured so as not to be maneuverable past the non-pliable top stop of the second slide fastener tape.